Today’s spotlight player is a good one… because she’s going to a great academic school, you know she’s smart and because she’s smart she writes well and is an entertaining read!

I had a chance to watch this speedy slapper at the Showcase at Big League Dreams tournament and was impressed with her ability to put the ball into play and her quickness at the plate and defense.

Here’s more on a player that is one of the best table-setters in the West…

Name: SHELBY KENNEDY
Grad Year: 2015
Position: outfield
High School: Cienega (Tucson, Ariz.)
GPA: 4.84/4.0
Club: AZ Hotshots Gold – Davis
Stats: batting average of .562, on-base percentage of .616, 21 steals
Honors: Section Player of the Year candidate, Student Athlete Award (2012-2014), Offensive MVP,
College: Yale

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FCS.com: How did the recruiting process go with Yale?
Shelby Kennedy: Yale first saw me in California last fall, but could not make any moves until I had my final junior transcript and test scores. They followed me throughout summer and in July we began to talk about once a week. I went on my unofficial in September which is when I committed.

FCS.com: When did you decide to commit and what factors led to the decision?
SK: I committed two days after my unofficial visit. I pretty much knew that Yale was where I wanted to attend, but I had another visit before I made my decision. Regardless of being approximately 2,000 miles from my home, I felt at ease on campus. I always knew I wanted an academically strong school, which Yale was—I didn’t have to sacrifice academics or athletics, both of which are important aspects of my life.

FCS.com: How long after your campus visit did you commit?
SK: I called (Head) Coach (Jen) Goodwin from the airport right before I got on the plane to come home from my unofficial visit. I actually missed her and left the message on her voicemail. She left me a voicemail while I was on the plane and was very excited that I had made my decision to attend Yale.

FCS.com: Describe your emotions around telling them, were you more nervous more excited?
SK: Initially I was elated—all my hard work had finally paid off. After I had made the call it hit me that I would be attending college across the country from my home and family, and I began to feel the nerves. Saying you are going far is one thing; the reality of the distance is another. The nerves were only temporary though and I have been counting down the days until I get to walk on campus as an actual Bulldog since.

FCS.com: Was distance a factor in your decision?
SK: When the recruiting process began I was reluctant to go anywhere other than the West Coast. As the process progressed I began to realize that a six-hour car ride and a six-hour plane ride were the same amount of time from my home. Distance was not a factor in my decision, regardless of my brief nerves. I am looking forward to being exposed to new experiences that I can only get from the East Coast.

FCS.com: What do you do well on the field that got you into an Ivy League program?
SK: My speed is definitely a prominent strength of mine. I also know the game very well and am considered to be a smart player. I look for opportunities, and rather than forcing something I go with what I am being given.

FCS.com: What’s been a highlight or two in your softball career?
SK: Being a freshman starter on varsity is definitely one of my accomplished moments. Also, my sophomore year my high school had an undefeated season and was ranked Top 10 in the nation and first in the state.

Quick Hitters

What do you want to major in?
I am not exactly sure what I want to major in because I change my mind almost every week. I am hoping to continue to keep athletics in my life. Ultimately, I would like to become a sports agent of some kind.

Fill in the blank … I’m happiest when­­____________
… I am eating Chipotle.

What do you think is the No. 1 issue in the world today?
Right now, I would say Ebola.

Favorite Food?
If I had to pick just one food as my favorite, which is hard because I like various types of food, I think I would have to pick artichokes. I could eat boiled artichokes dipped in butter with lemon and garlic every day.

Least Favorite Food?
I cannot stand celery or cilantro. Even the smell of either one of them is repulsive to me.

Favorite Place in the world?
My favorite place in the world is my bed and the comfiest; it is the perfect combination of roomy and snug.

What’s your dream vacation?
I want to go to Iceland because of the irony of the name.

What type of bat do you use?
I am an Easton girl. I currently use a Mako.

What makes you the most happy?
I get overwhelmingly happy when I don’t have any homework because that never happens.

What’s something unusual or different about you that few know?
I don’t pronounce “bagel” correctly. I do not know why I don’t say it conventionally, but I never have and probably never will.

How would your friends describe you in one word?
In one word, my friends would describe me as a nerd.

If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take one thing with you, what would it be?
I would take a boat so I could get off the island!

Do you have any softball superstitions or rituals?
I am actually a very superstitious person when it comes to softball. I used to have these pair of pants, my “lucky” pants, which I would wear for every game. When the pocket ripped off I knew it was time to retire them. I don’t wash my hats and I wear the same ribbon every game.