Ramstein’s Moya added more to game as Royals kept rolling

Ramstein junior Kelsey Moya pitches against the Vilseck Falcons in a Division I semifinal game at the European Championships on May 21, 2026. (Lydia Gordon/Stars and Stripes)

Last spring, Kelsey Moya took the DODEA European softball scene by storm after moving to Ramstein a couple of weeks into the season.

This year, things were very different for the Royal ace. Moya was a known commodity. Also, the Royals were under new management with Kris Mihalic stepping up from assistant to head coach.

On top of that, Ramstein had freshman phenom Kendall Randolph who could spell Moya in the circle.

That was just fine by the junior. In fact, Moya said she found it refreshing to play shortstop from time to time.

“With having Kendall there, it was very relieving because I know if I got tired or if I wasn’t pitching to the best of my ability, then she would come out and she would shut it down,” Moya said. “I’m not upset with it at all because wherever coach tells me to go, I’ll go.”

That team mentality permeated through a Ramstein squad that carried on the dynasty for another season.

The Royals (15-1) clinched their fourth-straight Division I European crown with a 7-2 victory over second-seeded Lakenheath on May 22 at Kaiserslautern High School.

Moya once again played a key role in that championship run. Because of her performances throughout the season, Moya was selected as Stars and Stripes’ softball Athlete of the Year for the second consecutive season.

Moya credited her teammates for coming together despite the turnover in the roster, with just seven returning this campaign.

“Coach Kris had really preached that we protect the family,” Moya said. “We came together as a family, and we worked together very well so we could play Royal ball.”

Another aspect of this year’s squad that made her feel more like a family affair was the inclusion of her father, Storm, as a volunteer coach.

It marked the first time he had coached Kelsey. She mentioned he had given her pointers in the past, but it was a welcome addition for him to have an expanded role in mentoring her on the field.

“It’s just the dad and daughter duo,” Moya said. “He’s definitely the best man in my life, and I just love being able to have him out there every day.”

To complement her skills in the circle, Moya made a concerted effort to upgrade her skills at the plate.

While she still wishes to make more contact with the ball, Moya did accomplish something she’s always wanted to: park one.

She launched a solo home run in the fifth inning of Ramstein’s 8-0 semifinal win over Vilseck on May 21. That was the first time Moya hit one over the fence in her career.

“I had been working hard on it and just really trying to improve my batting overall,” she said. “It was about time.”

What should scare European competition is Moya doesn’t plan to rest on her laurels.

The junior expressed her desire to add velocity to her 56-mph fastball, making her even more dangerous. Moya also has a changeup, screwball, curveball and her favorite rise ball in her arsenal.

And being the team player she is, Moya also is focusing on the team building greater camaraderie for her senior season as the Royals go for a fifth straight European title.

“Really come closer as a family and be able to support each other even more and know we have each other’s backs and just to continue the legacy,” Moya said.