McKendry Kennedy is a senior volleyball player for the Southland Rebels.

Q: What sports do you compete in?

A: I play volleyball and basketball.

Q: How did you originally get into volleyball?

A: I knew my mom was great at it and she loved it, so when seventh grade rolled around I knew I had to play it and immediately I fell in love with it. 

Q: What’s your favorite sports memory?

A: Last year when my team played one of the best games yet in our pink out for breast cancer event. It was the most nail-biting and fun volleyball game I’ve ever played in. 

Q: What have you learned from sports?

A: I have learned that when you work your hardest good things really do happen. I have learned to balance school, family and sports in my life pretty easily and that when you work together with a group of people it feels amazing. I have learned to respect other people’s opinions and views and to get to know my teammates. I have learned that when I play to have fun I play much better and enjoy myself with my team much more. I feel like I have become an all around better person because of the sports I play. 

Q: What is the hardest part about volleyball?

A: The mental game you play with yourself is by far the hardest part. If you have a bad pass or hit the ball into the net at a crunch time in the game it can really mess with you, and it’s really hard to bring yourself back up from that for your team. 

Q: Who is your biggest sports role model and why?

A: My dad is my biggest sports role model. He has taught me so much in not just sports but connecting sports to life situations. He has taught me to work hard and to be the best version of myself that I can be for my team, and that will transition over to my job or future family. He has taught me that you have two things to control; your effort and your attitude. I will never be perfect in my games but I can always control how I handle it and never stop working hard for my team. My dad is a great role model for many people to follow. 

Q: What is your favorite movie or TV show?

A: Say Yes to the Dress is my most favorite TV show of all time!! 

Q: What is your favorite subject in school?

A: Choir is my favorite subject in school.

Q: What is your dream job?

A: My dream job would be teaching elementary education. 

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: Applebee’s mozzarella sticks.

Q: What are your plans after high school?

A: I want to attend Mankato State University for elementary education. 

Q: What’s a fun fact about you or hobby you enjoy most people don’t know about?

A: I made my own prom dress for my senior project so now I am very into sewing and it’s super fun. 

Q: What are your top three guilty pleasure songs?

A: ‘Fergalicious’ by Fergie, ‘Say It Ain’t So’ by Weezer, and ‘Toxic’ by Britney Spears.