April Alumni Appreciation: Amanda Kendall

Editor's note: This is the second story of a three-part weekly series on former Blue Raider softball players entitled "April Alumni Appreciation." Photo Gallery

The college experience is like nothing else. While everyone’s time in school is different, the highs and lows and education received both inside and outside the classroom are invaluable. This is especially true for former Blue Raider pitcher Amanda Kendall. Softball was not the only factor in Kendall’s decision to attend Middle Tennessee. “I chose to go to Middle Tennessee because I liked the softball program and the school had a great psychology department,” she said. A three-time all-county pitcher at Seminole (Fla.) High School, Kendall did not waste any time adjusting to college softball. As a freshman on the 1998 squad, she got off to a 7-1 start in the circle during a successful rookie campaign in which she eventually finished with a 14-12 record while posting a 2.15 ERA in 152 innings. “It was an honor to be able to step in and contribute right away as a freshman,” she said. Unfortunately, however, just as it looked she was off to the start of a bright future in Murfreesboro, Kendall’s career was suddenly halted by an injury. “One day at practice, I was pitching like I normally did and all of a sudden something happened to my shoulder,” she said. “I did not want to have surgery, but I had no other choice.” The Largo, Fla., native was forced to have complete reconstructive surgery to her shoulder. As a result, she missed the entire 1999 season. “It was very difficult sitting out the entire season,” she said. “Fortunately, head coach Karen Green let me travel with the team and help out as much as possible while not playing.” Kendall came back in 2000 and picked up where she left off prior to her injury. Despite not seeing as much time in the circle, she notched another solid season individually, highlighted by an upset victory against nationally-ranked Texas A&M. “The win against Texas A&M was a major highlight both for myself and our entire team,” she said. She finished her sophomore season with a 6-2 record and 2.05 ERA, helping the Blue Raiders win the Ohio Valley Conference Championship and advance to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in the program’s history. “It was amazing to be a part of that team,” said Kendall. “The experience of playing in the NCAA Tournament was one of a kind. I am thankful to have been part of one of the greatest times in the program’s history.” In 2001 Kendall chipped in when called upon, posting her best season statistically as she closed the year with a 5-1 clip and a miniscule 1.03 ERA. The season was also a year of transition for Middle Tennessee, as the Blue Raiders left the OVC and entered the more challenging Sun Belt Conference. “The transition into the Sun Belt was smooth overall,” she said. “We began facing better competition, which was not easy in some ways, but it helped us improve and continue building as a team and program.” Change came again in 2002 as Green left the program and was replaced by Cindy Connelley. Unfortunately this transition would be not as smooth as the squad endured its first losing season in four years. “After adjusting to the changes we remained a team with positive relationships that will last a lifetime,” she said. “We were a family. I look at my career as a whole and am just thankful to have been a part of the program during both the good and bad times.” Upon completion of her playing career, Kendall graduated with her degree in psychology and began working as a social worker for the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services. She moved back home to Florida three years ago where she works as a medical social worker while living with her seven-year-old adopted son. Following a career with many highs and a few lows, Kendall looks back at her softball days with a sense of pride and gratitude. “I am very thankful for the opportunity I received to attend Middle Tennessee and play softball while getting my education,” she said. “I have many lifetime memories from my career at Middle Tennessee and I learned some very important life lessons which have helped me throughout my life. And for this I am greatly appreciative.”

Middle Tennessee State University Athletics

Related News

Related Videos