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Freshman Clara Kendall and the Virginia softball team are back in action at 5 p.m. tonight, playing host to Longwood in a doubleheader at The Park. The Cavaliers then hit the road to resume ACC play at 6 p.m. Friday at North Carolina. Kendall recently sat down with VirginiaSports.com to chat about the season, her transition from high school to college and what she is looking forward to this summer.
Question: How would you describe the season so far?
Kendall: It’s kind of been a rollercoaster. We started out a lot stronger than anybody would have expected. This is one of the hardest stretches right now. It’s been a learning experience and is really a matter of our attitude, energy and discipline and I think we’ll get back where we want to be.
Question: How has the transition been from high school to college?
Kendall: It’s hard. On the softball field, I came from a strong club team, so it wasn’t really about that. It was more about time management and what the coaches and your teammates expect from you and how much dedication you put in.
Question: What is the hardest and best thing about playing shortstop?
Kendall: The most challenging thing is expectations. You are expected to make all the routine plays and some of the great ones. At the level we are playing at, it’s even harder to make the routine plays because the girls are as big as you, if not bigger, and the ball is usually coming right at you. The best thing about it is being on the field as a first-year and being able to play.
Question: Is there a specific reason why you chose to wear No. 3?
Kendall: It’s a family number. My brother Jeff had it and he was a big role model so I wanted to keep it in the family and walk in his steps. He got me here with the help of my parents, showed me what I needed to do and he is one of the best role models I have ever looked up to. He is a lot of the reason why I am here.
Question: Why did you choose to come to UVa?
Kendall: It kind of just happened. Coach Schmidt came along and she was definitely the coach that caught my eye. The academics are challenging but with the opportunities that come, it was a great choice.
Question: It is exciting to be part of a team that is taking the steps to really build something?
Kendall: It is exciting to see the talent we have and being able to look back and see what we have already accomplished in one year. It is exciting to know that you are here building something and are a part of it.
Question: What are you thinking about majoring in?
Kendall: I don’t know. It was nursing but when I got here I have changed my mind a few times. So I am still undecided, but have a little time to figure it out.
Question: What do you like to do for fun?
Kendall: Hang out with the girls. We definitely have a great group. I don’t think I could have picked a school with any other group of girls I could have meshed with better. Dancing? I don’t know what (teammate) Giannina (Cipolloni) is talking about. (Jennifer) Bowles and I are the dancers. She just dances in the face of the team, nowhere outside of that. I could show her a move or two.
Question: What are your plans for the summer?
Kendall: I can’t wait to go back home. I am a family person. It has been a stretch and I miss my parents, brother and sister and nephew. I was thinking about taking classes but it has been a long first year and I am looking forward to spending some time at home.