The Shadow
Alleghany’s Kendell Keene has been a big contributor over the last few years for the Lady Mountaineers.
Keene, a basketball and softball player — and an excellent student to boot — recently wrapped up her basketball career with a loss in the regionals to Floyd County, but softball season is here now, and that is perfectly fine with the senior.
Keene has excelled in both sports in her career. Last year, as a junior, she was a first team all-district selection on the hardwood and a second team all-region pick on the softball field. Those successes followed a sophomore year that saw her placed on the second team all-district and all-region softball teams.
Still, with basketball over, Keene is going to miss some of that family-like atmosphere that is created through sports.
“I’m going to miss the friendships. That is the reason I love playing,” Keene said.
“I will also miss the memories and coaches. They have all helped me come a long way,” she added.
Those memories she speaks of are already locked in.
“One of the best memories is going to states last year in basketball, and for softball beating James River my 10th grade year to advance to the next game, Keene said proudly.
Keene knows her career could have been different, and maybe not as successful, if it was not for her coaches and her family’s help from the beginning.
“My coaches have helped me to believe in myself. Hard work pays off, and when I mess up don’t give up, just keep trying. My parents have also played a huge role in that as well,” she stated.
With softball approaching, Keene has set a personal goal for herself, and if she can do it consistently, her team will reap the rewards.
“Pitch faster than last year,” she said when asked what her goals were.
“And hopefully have a long run this season,” she said.
Those two things have an even better chance of happening if Keene changes her “tone” just a little bit when she’s on the field.
“One thing I would change is to be more outgoing on the court and field. I am more of a visual leader in many different ways,” Keene concluded.
The pitcher, shortstop and shooting guard plans to head to Mountain Gateway Community College this fall to begin working towards her RN. She then hopes to become a Nurse Practitioner.
