Kennedy Ishii '18 Recruiting Profile

As a softball player, I switched from right to a lefthand batter. I am a contact hitter. I can put down bunts, place slaps, and also hit.  At the plate, I can read balls and strikes well. On defense, my primary position is middle infield but I can also be used as a utility player. I use my body to block the balls when needed because I am not afraid of the ball. I am hardworking and I give it my all at every practice. Mental toughness is an important part of the game. This is something that I have been working on for a while. When things don't go my way I used to get down on myself. But now I don't do that. Instead of sulking, I pick myself up and keep my head up high. I don't think a team should rely on one person. But I do think that one person can bring down the energy from the team. That's why I have learned to stay positive even when it gets tough and also lift up my teammates if they get down. I am also a very coachable player. All of my coaches have so much knowledge of the game, so I try to take advantage of every piece of advice I receive. 

I aspire to be a physical therapist. As a physical therapist, I will have the opportunity to work with children, adults, seniors, athletes, etc. One of the main reasons why I want to be a physical therapist is because I want a job where I can stay around sports. At the same time, I can also help someone get better. 

In academics, I am also a hardworking student. I do my best on homework and projects for all my classes. I also meet with my teachers often. When I don't understand a problem or have questions on an assignment, I feel comfortable enough with them to be able to ask for help. I strive to put in quality work on every assignment and get the most of what I can out of the class. I try to find and understand the meaning in everything I do at school. This helps me to better understand the material that I'm learning. Although my grades don't show it and it's not be where I want it to be right now. I will put in the work and earn the good grades I know I can get.

I am very dedicated to this sport. I am willing to go the extra mile by taking the extra cuts, getting the extra reps, running the extra lap to be a better player. I field every ball, take every at bat, and do every play to the best of my ability. I have been injured before and it was the worst. While sitting out, it made me think about what would happen if something were to happen and I wouldn't be able to play this sport anymore. This thought drove me to push myself harder and play this game with all my heart. Softball is a game that I love and I am willing to lay it all out on the field for it. To me, there is nothing better than playing this sport with all my friends!