Freshman outfielder and pitcher Kennedy Glassford (#11) poses with her bat in the dugout. 

(Photo by: Jasmine Mills)

Could you imagine doing one thing for over two-thirds of your life? Kennedy Glassford has played softball since she was six years old, spanning a total of 13 years of her life. Glassford is a Liberal Arts major and plays for the softball team. 

Despite playing multiple sports growing up, Glassford stayed loyal to softball, explaining that it came the most naturally to her. 

“I had always been blessed with amazing teammates and fabulous coaches throughout my career that I couldn’t even dream of quitting. They helped me develop my craft and further my love for the game, [so] I stayed engaged in it,” Glassford said. 

Glassford balances her school, softball and social life by prioritizing tasks and using her time wisely. This may look like doing homework before practice or on the bus on the way to an away game, or using her days off to catch up or get ahead on work. 

“I may have to sacrifice hanging out with friends or watching the latest TV shows every now and then. However, I’m still able to have a pretty good social life even with my hectic schedule,” Glassford said. 

Glassford explained what a typical practice would look like. 

• 9:00 a.m.: Going to classes in the morning (8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. for softball athletes).
• 10:00 a.m. – 10:40 a.m : Working on homework and getting caught up in online courses in the locker room.
• 10:40 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: Eat lunch and change into practice attire.
• 11:00 a.m. – 11:05 a.m. : Head down to the field.
• 11:05 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.: Set up practice machines and equipment.
• 11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Warm up for pitching.
• 12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.: Pitching workout.
• 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Team practice.
• 3:00 p.m. – 3:10 p.m.: Field clean up: sweeping, organizing the shed, putting equipment away and picking up trash/leaves.
• 3:15 p.m.: Drive home for the remainder of the day.

Glassford explained that the softball team’s atmosphere and culture are inclusive and fun. With how much time they spend together, they have quickly become each other’s family. 

“We’re all here to get better and progress in the sport, and yet, we’re able to enjoy our time together on and off the field, regardless of practice intensity or gameday pressure,” Glassford said. “This culture is very unique and special, and very few get to experience the accountability, love and unity that comes from a group like this.”

Jayla Green, a fellow student and one of Glassford’s teammates, says that Glassford is bubbly and lights up wherever she goes. People naturally gravitate towards Glassford. 

“On the field, she is very competitive and determined. She works very hard and wants to be her best. Off the field, she is still very enthusiastic and provides a lot of comedic relief,” Green said. 

Green has known Glassford since they were in middle school, and tells The Messenger that she has become one of the hardest workers she knows.

“Out of all of my past teammates, I would say she is one of the most determined people I know. She is always putting in extra work, and does every drill and rep to its full potential,” Green said. 

Green explained that what makes Glassford such a good teammate is her consistent attitude. She has a great voice on the field and never lets how she performs dictate how she interacts with her teammates. 

“No one is more deserving of the season that Kennedy is having. She is one of the best people I know, outside of the softball field. She is extremely empathic and caring, and it shows constantly,” Green said. 

Glassford explained that softball is especially significant to her because for eight out of the 13 years she had been playing, her dad was her coach. She also says that God has been with her through every step of her career. 

“Softball has brought us even closer together than we were before, and we continue to bond over its miraculous features to this day,” Glassford said. “God is the one [who] has led my path throughout my career and blessed me with the many opportunities I’ve been given. Had it not been for his loving hand, I wouldn’t have these gifts and skills to compete at this level with more dominating athletes and women.” 

Glassford is also a part of FCA, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes club, and has met with them once a week for the past two semesters. 

“[We] dive into God’s word, pray for one another, share our testimonies and bond over fun games like volleyball, knockout, four-square and kickball together,” Glassford said. 

The softball program is full of intent, standards, expectations and success. Glassford explained that every single one of her teammates puts in the work day in and day out, competing at the highest level. They make their coaches, teammates, parents and friends who have encouraged them throughout their careers proud. 

“We may be individual women who have different ‘whys’ for playing this game, but we wear the same name on the front of our jerseys to signify that we’re one, that we rise and fall together, and that we represent a program much bigger than ourselves,” Glassford said.