Kendal

What do they love most about playing their sport(s)?

She loves volleyball and softball because they challenge her, inspire her, and give her a place to grow, compete, and be part of a team. She loves the friendships, the excitement of competition, and the feeling of working hard toward a goal with her teammates. Through both sports, she has learned determination, confidence, and resilience. Even while coping with the loss of her dad, sports have given her purpose, strength, and a reason to keep pushing forward.

Who inspires them—on or off the field—and why?

Losing her dad has been one of the hardest experiences of her life, but his memory inspires her to keep working hard in volleyball and softball. She carries his love and support with her every time she steps onto the court or field. Even though he is no longer here to cheer her on, she continues to push herself, make him proud, and pursue her goals. She plays to keep making him proud.

What’s one moment in their athletic journey that makes you proudest?

One of my proudest moments as her mom was watching my daughter hit her very first out-of-the-park home run. Seeing all her hard work and dedication come together in that moment was unforgettable. Another incredibly proud moment was watching her make the freshman varsity volleyball team. Knowing how much she has worked for both accomplishments makes me so proud. Watching her grow, compete, overcome challenges, and continue to chase her dreams is something I will always treasure.