Keiter softball legacy continues to grow in Jeffco

DENVER — The spotlight was on Columbine senior Liv Keiter at the Colorado High School Activities Association’s annual Fall Media Day on Tuesday, Aug. 5, at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium.

However, the starting shortstop for the Rebels who has already verbally committed to play softball at the University of Alabama is used to the attention. Liv is the niece of Kami Keiter, who pitched Arvada West’s softball program to back-to-back Class 5A state titles in 1999 and 2000 before pitching at the University of Oklahoma. 

Kami helped the Sooners to the College World Series all four years during her time in Oklahoma. Kami was included into the Jeffco Athletic Hall of Fame in 2021.

Liv says that she has relied on her aunt a lot during her softball career. Liv talked to Kami about her excitement after going to a college softball camp at the University of Alabama before her sophomore year. 

“She told me, ‘Welcome to your own legacy.’ I instantly started bawling,” Liv said. “For me, it meant that I was my own person. I can go do exactly what I love.”

Liv announced her verbal commitment to Alabama just before the regional playoffs last October.

“That pressure always exists,” Liv said of competing at the college level next year. “I think a huge part of being a student-athlete is learning how to deal with it. You have to compartmentalize and put it to the side.”

Dealing with having the Keiter last name is something one of the best softball players in Colorado has embraced. 

Liv’s father — Zach Keiter — helped A-West to a state baseball title in 1994 before playing football at the University of Wyoming. Then there is Liv’s uncle — Ben Keiter — who pitched at Wichita State University and was drafted in the 6th round of the 2001 Major League Baseball Draft by the Texas Rangers. 

“There is defintely a legacy with my aunt, uncle and Dad,” Liv said of the Keiter history in Jeffco. “There is obviously expectations and everything, but I think because of how strong my family is and how good of a foundation that we have everyone has made sure that Ari and I are our own person. We do what we love because we love it.”

Liv and her younger sister Ari helped Columbine to a 20-7 record last season. The Rebels’ season came to an end a year ago losing eventual 5A state champion Riverdale Ridge in the state quarterfinals. 

“Playing with my sister has been one of the best experiences of my life,” Liv said of playing with Ari, who had a .393 batting average as a freshman last season for the Rebels. “I want to go out winning one (state title) with her. I think that would be incredible.”

Liv was a key contributor as a freshman in 2022 when Columbine won the 5A state championship with a 28-1 record. 

“Obviously, coming in as a freshman and winning (state) was incredible. I just walked in wide-eyed and bushy-tailed,” Liv said of the Rebels run to the 5A state title in 2022. 

Liv’s career statistics are staggering. She has a .518 batting average through her first three years, along with scoring 133 runs, cranking out 143 hits and 72 stolen bases just to mention a few key stats. 

“I have personal goals of statistics, but I try to avoid looking at those during the season,” Liv said. “I want to keep my focus and stay in the zone. At the end of the season I usually look at it. Honestly, I want to do good for my team to hopefully win league, win regionals and make a run at state.”