Quincy University Hawks

2025 (Graduate): In his final season with the Hawks, Essien had the best season of his career, serving as the ace of the QU pitching staff. Essien led the team with 72.2 innings, where he had a 4-1 record, 4.83 ERA, and a 1,42 WHIP. Kobe punched out 68 batters and had two complete games.

He earned GLVC Pitcher of the Week after tossing seven scoreless frames in a 17-0 win over No. 18 Lewis (4/11/25). The Hawks won 10 of Essien's starts, including his final start of the season in a victory over Maryville (5/7/25) in the GLVC Tournament, where he threw 6.2 innings, surrendering two runs on six hits, one walk, and six strikeouts.
-    GLVC All-Conference Honorable Mention
-    GLVC Pitcher of the Week (4/14/25)
-    Mart Heinen Career Achievement  Award Winner

2024 (Senior): Kobe was tied for first on the team with 13 starts, 60.0 innings and 83 strikeouts. He had a 4-4 record with a 5.55 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP
-    GLVC All-Conference Honorable Mention

2023 (Junior): In his third season, Essien pitched in 12 games, all of them starts, where he threw 44.2 innings and had a 4.43 ERA. Kobe was third on the team with 61 punch outs and had a 6-1 record.

2022 (Sophomore): In his second season with the Hawks, Essien made two appearances, threw one inning and had a 9.00 ERA. 

2021 (Freshman): Appeared in nine games as a freshman, making eight starts, for a total of 27.1 innings. Essien had a 3-1 record with 7.24 ERA and struck out 35 batters. Kobe made his collegiate debut against Davenport (3/7/21). Essien earned his first career win against Missouri S&T (3/28/21) after tossing five scoreless frames.