Kendall Varner '17 Recruiting Profile

Every athlete wants to write the perfect words to attract the right recruiter, and I am no different in that aspect.  What can I write that makes me outshine all others?  Not a lot.  My actions, however, fill in the blanks when my words falter.  So, I want to attempt to give you a clear picture of what makes me, well, me.  I have big goals.  I want to play softball for a Division I or II college and major in a field that allows me to use my interests in math and science—possibly something in the field of physical therapy.  I am a high school junior who earned a spot on the JV team during my eighth grade year and the varsity team my freshman year. I have made the all-conference team both years of high school as well.  The coaches know me well as I have been a constant in the weight room and on the practice field.  I have played travel softball since fourth grade.  Currently, I play first, outfield, and pitch for the 18U Diamond Fever Fastpitch Softball Team. When I research the stats that recruiters desire, I have them.  I may see stats better than mine (and some worse than mine), but I can promise one attribute that casts shadows over all others—my intense work ethic.

Whether I am in the classroom or on the athletic fields, I give every aspect of my life my full ability.  If a student or teammate is giving 99%, I will give more.  I am the only female in the weight room at my high school three days a week, and I have been in that weight room working since my seventh grade year. I work with a trainer who has supported his personal children and many other athletes all the way to Division I and II schools.  He often uses me to teach his football players the correct techniques, and I have even accompanied him to another school to help train their track team in the weight room.  Currently, I squat 225 lbs, I clean 145 lbs, and I bench 115 lbs.  If I am not in the classroom or weight room, I can promise I am somewhere near a softball, either at practice with my travel team, in the basement on cold days or the backyard on warm days hitting balls into the net, or pitching balls to a target—that target usually being my younger brother or father.  My father is a #1 supporter as he constantly catches/throws with me; studies my hitting, pitching, and throwing style; and makes sure I am following the proper techniques. Yes, he is a trained player and coach, but he has the foresight and wisdom to allow me to work under other well-qualified coaches.

In the classroom, I continue to work hard to make sure I am striving for the best grades I can, earning the Principal’s Scholar Award and the academic excellence awards ever term.  I am currently anticipating all A’s on my report card during this challenging junior year— even in my AP Calculus class where I am the only junior among a sea of seniors. Overall, my junior schedule is saturated with AP classes in history, English (AP Language and Composition), and math. But I enjoy every moment that pushes me forward.

I am most excited about this year’s softball season—both at the high school and with my travel team.  I am most comfortable on the softball field—ball in hand and attitude set on excellence. While I may not be the loudest, I do stand out through my focus, my determination, and my skills.  At the end of August 2013, 2014, and 2015, I was accepted to play in the Queen of the Diamonds South Tournament with players from all over the East coast.  I have earned the game MVP, a title awarded by college players and recruiters watching from the press box, both years.  They noticed I was always the first out on the field, the first to encourage a teammate, and the first to get that power hit!  Another season highlight from this summer occurred two weeks ago in North Carolina at a tournament when I hit my first walk-off homerun, a walk-off double, and another homerun off the first pitch of the game. So yes, I love softball—and I don’t mean that superficially.  I find my strength and my confidence through this game, and these attributes carry over to my other talents and abilities.