Before the fall season began, few at Hendrick Hudson High School knew the name Kinsley Steinhiser. Two months later, the tall, composed freshman has become one of the most exciting young players in Section 1 girls soccer.

In her first varsity campaign, the 14-year-old forward scored 17 goals and added eight assists in 18 games, shattering the school’s all-time freshman scoring record held by Liv Johnsen (Class of 2025). Her breakout performances earned her a nomination for Lohud’s Girls Soccer Player of the Week after she tallied eight goals and two assists across just three matches.

But for those who know her best – teammates, coaches, and family – Steinhiser’s rise isn’t defined by numbers. It’s fueled by effort, humility, and a relentless drive to improve.

A Varsity Debut for the Record books

When Steinhiser arrived at varsity tryouts in August, she was a complete newcomer to the program. She had never worn a Hen Hud jersey before, having spent previous seasons playing club soccer year-round with Just Play Soccer Club (JPSC) in Putnam Valley.

Head coach William Pagel said he knew she’d contribute – but she quickly proved she’d be indispensable.

“Kinsley was a pleasant surprise this season as it was her first time trying out in our program,” Pagel said. “Before the season began we knew we needed to find a scoring threat and hoped she could fill the role. As it turned out she did that and more as she set the school’s all-time freshman scoring record.” 

The transition from club to high school soccer was initially intimidating for Steinhiser, particularly facing older, more experienced players.

“It’s a huge difference,” she said. “I was scared at first, but after my first few games, I thought, ‘I can do this.”

That confidence showed quickly. Within weeks, she was scoring consistently – with both feet, from close range and distance – while building chemistry with teammates like fellow underclassman Julianna Povella, often swapping flanks depending on matchups.

Despite her age, Steinhiser has displayed strong composure on the field. Her speed, first touch, and calmness under pressure have made her one of the toughest players in the area to defend.

However, even after a record-breaking year that included two hat tricks, she remains humble.

“It’s all a team effort,” she said. “Every goal starts from someone – a pass, a throw-in, a buildup. It’s not just me scoring; it’s Hen Hud scoring.”

That team-first mentality shone brightest during the Sailors’ sectional matchup against Pleasantville, when senior Mallory Parks, sidelined most of the season with a concussion, returned to score in the final 30 seconds.

“Coach asked if she wanted to go in, and we all said, ‘Go! Do it!’” Steinhiser recalled. “She didn’t even have her shorts – one of the girls gave her hers. We told her, ‘Stay away from the ball.’ But then it came right to her foot, and she shot it and scored. We were all like, ‘Whattt!’”

Pagel praised Steinhiser’s selflessness as much as her talent. “In addition to her soccer skills, Kinsley was even more impressive as a teammate,” he said. “Anytime we praised her she redirected it to the team. She understands that her success depends on the team being successful and that is an impressive quality to have for such a young player”

A Foundation Built Through Club Soccer

Steinhiser’s soccer story began early. At just three years old, she began kicking around a soccer ball, and soon after joined the Town of Cortlandt girls soccer program.

“I think I kicked a ball once, and my parents said, ‘We should sign her up for soccer,’” she recalled. “I started playing and I really enjoyed it.”

By age nine, she joined Just Play Soccer Club (JPSC), where she’s trained year-round since 2020 under coaches like James Palumbo. There, she often practiced with older and even boys’ teams to challenge herself.

“I was out of my comfort zone at first,”she said of training with the boys. “But I knew the team. I went to a month of their practices.” She is currently a member of the 2011 girls team.

After moving from team to team and excelling at each level, Steinhiser’s confidence reached a new level. That confidence led to an international opportunity last spring when she was selected to train and compete in Spain as part of a La Liga tournament. Representing JPSC, she spent 10 days in Madrid competing against players from four other countries.

“It was amazing,” she said “We trained every single day – in the morning and afternoon. We had three games and we won two. The coaches were very welcoming and it was very fun to meet people from all over the world.”

JPSC President James Palumbo said that international trip changed her. “Kinsley is a player who leads with effort and commitment,” Palumbo said. 

“Recently, Kinsley earned the opportunity to train and compete in Spain, and this experience has had a profound influence on her mindset. Since returning, she has been a player who believes in herself and is more aware of her strengths and weaknesses. It is no surprise that she excelled for the varsity team this season at Hen Hud.”

Balancing Books and Ball

Off the field, Steinhiser maintains a full schedule. She takes multiple honors classes, often finishing homework during study halls or between practices. She’s also active in Sailors Supporting Sailors, Student Government, and her Class Club.

The Sailors Supporting Sailors program – focused on student-athlete mental health and stress management – is a cause close to her heart.

When she does find free time, she spends it with her parents and younger brother.

“With soccer, you’re always eating dinner late and by yourself,” she said. “So when I have free time, I just like to hang out with my family.”

A multi-sport athlete, Steinhiser also plays lacrosse and plans to compete on varsity this spring. Looking ahead, she hopes to play collegiate soccer – and perhaps study education.

Her advice to other young players hoping to make varsity early? “Play hard and don’t be scared.”

The Road Ahead 

With a core of talented young players, the future looks bright for Hendrick Hudson girls soccer. And with her poise, work ethic, and natural scoring ability, Steinhiser may already be on her way to becoming the program’s next great player.

If her freshman season is any indication, she could one day surpass Liv Johnsen’s career scoring mark of 61 goals and etch her name among Hen Hud’s all-time greats.

“We’re excited to watch her grow and develop over the next several seasons,” Coach Pagel said. “It should be a fun journey, and we are glad we can be a part of it.”

For now, Steinhiser is keeping things simple.“I just want to keep getting better,” she said. “I love soccer. Once I step onto the field, everything else goes away.”