The St. Louis Gateway Gold have added experienced right-handed pitcher Laurin Krings as they continue assembling a competitive roster for their inaugural Professional Softball League season in 2027.
Krings, a 5-foot-8 right-hander from Loveland, Colorado, arrives with a proven track record at the collegiate and professional levels. She completed a standout four-year career at the University of Missouri, where she finished among the Tigers’ all-time top 10 in appearances (136), innings pitched (604.2), strikeouts (599), and wins (57). As a senior in 2024, she posted a 17-10 record with a 2.38 ERA across 188.1 innings, nine complete games, and two shutouts while earning NFCA Southeast All-Region Third Team honors along with spots on the SEC All-Tournament and SEC All-Defensive teams.
Her postseason contributions stood out. Krings started all four of Missouri’s victories in the 2024 NCAA Columbia Regional, going 3-0 with a 0.56 ERA and 24 strikeouts over 25 innings. Earlier in her career she threw two no-hitters and the 12th perfect game in program history. She also earned Wilson/NFCA Pitcher of the Week and SEC Co-Pitcher of the Week recognition after a no-hitter against North Texas in 2023.
Before college, Krings dominated at Loveland High School as a two-time Colorado Gatorade Softball Player of the Year. She finished her prep career with a 0.98 ERA and 949 strikeouts while also contributing offensively with 38 home runs. She signed with Missouri out of a strong club background that included time with Nebraska Gold.
Professionally, Krings pitched for the New York Rise before joining the Kansas City Diamonds of the Professional Softball League for the 2026 season. She has also begun a coaching path, most recently serving as an assistant coach working with pitchers at the University of Pennsylvania after a stint in player development at Minnesota.
The Gateway Gold, co-founded and led by former Cardinals pitcher Kyle McClellan, feature a coaching staff that includes former Cardinals Matt Adams and Trevor Rosenthal plus former Mizzou All-American catcher Julia Crenshaw—Krings’ former battery mate. The franchise earned its place in the expanding PSL after strong exhibition crowds at CarShield Field in O’Fallon in 2026, including games that helped demonstrate local support and set up a natural rivalry with the Kansas City Diamonds.
Krings’ addition brings a durable, high-volume arm with SEC experience and professional innings to a pitching staff that already includes talents such as Nicolette Picone and Estelle Czech. With the Gold set for a 40-game slate from June through August 2027 alongside clubs including the Atlanta Smoke, Florida Vibe, Kansas City Diamonds, Birmingham Irons, and Knoxville Miracle, the signing continues the organization’s push to field a competitive roster built on proven college and pro talent.
For a franchise focused on elevating the game in St. Louis and developing the next generation of players, Krings offers both immediate on-field value and a connection to the region’s strong softball pipeline through her Missouri roots.
