FLAGSTAFF — Securing her legacy as one of the best high school softball pitchers to ever grace the inside of a circle in the state of Arizona, Coconino’s Kaitlyn Tso recorded her 1,000th strikeout in a dominant 17-1 win over Bradshaw Mountain last week.

She is just one of 11 pitchers to ever record 1,000 strikeouts in a career, becoming 10th overall on the list with 1,005 total, surpassing Jocelyn Briski (1,001, Desert Vista, 2020-23).

The senior isn’t far off from former Greenway great Nicole Michael, who recorded 1,014 strikeouts in her career during the 1996-99 seasons and is ninth all time.

“I felt emotional when I got my 1,000th strikeout because it was a goal I set for myself freshman year, and I had everyone around to support me,” Tso said recalling the moment, adding that although she set this individual goal for herself, she never thought it would actually happen.

“I never imagined that I would be this successful in the circle until the end of my freshman year. That’s when I realized if I continued to work hard that I could help my team accomplish great things,” Tso said.

Averaging 8.6 strikeouts per game this season, Tso could find herself even closer to Top 5 all time with four regular season games remaining, and 4A state playoffs to consider.

At No. 5 all time is former Benson standout Megan Ellsworth, who recorded 1,139 strikeouts during the 2005-2008 season. Although that mark seems far off with the senior’s current total of 1,005, No. 6 all time is Kristin Cocke (1,095), formally of Safford during the 2016-19 seasons.

No. 1 all time in the state of Arizona is Dallas Escobedo, who struck out 1,882 batters for St. Mary's during the 2007-2010 seasons.

Nevertheless, Coconino coach Kimberly Dennis knew all along how special Tso was before she ever played a high school game.

“We knew Kaitlyn before high school as we coached her older sister. It was very evident that she was talented and determined to be great,” Dennis said, adding that it’s been an “honor” to coach her.

“Its been a privilege to watch her throughout her career. She is such a competitor, self-driven and very determined,” Dennis said.

Dennis added that her senior pitcher may come across as a “tough girl” but she is a “soft-hearted teddy bear,” making her a favorite teammate.

“Her maturity growth throughout the four years has been a beautiful thing to see. She now knows the importance of her teammates and the importance of her relationships with them,” Dennis said. “She loves to have fun and is always up for the fun competitive game of anything (spike ball/shuffle board/board games).”

The Cal State-Northridge commit, who has 79 career wins and allowed an opponents batting average at a miniscule .151 clip, hopes to lead her club to a title this spring.

“We have to take it one step at a time and finish the regular season strong in hopes for a region title,” Tso said. “Then we can work on our road to state.”

Tso tipped her cap to her father as he was instrumental in her growth as a softball player.

“He helped me become the athlete I am today with his support, discipline, encouragement and guidance’s,” Tso said, adding that she has a special relationship with her mom as well, starting a handshake with her during a freshman game as a pregame ritual.

The two continue to do this every game.

Tso continues her path up the career strikeout ladder Monday, April 21, as the club hosts Flagstaff. First pitch is set for 4 p.m.

Brian M. Bergner Jr. has covered professional, collegiate and high school sports for more than 20 years. Follow him on X at @AzPreps365Brian or on Facebook at @Five2MediaWorks. Have a story idea? Email Brian at bbergner@azpreps365.com.