Q&A with University High School softball player Kyndal Shively
NORMAL, Ill. — Kyndal Shively’s earliest recollection of softball was not on a hot, dusty field in the summertime. She can still remember being a small girl playing catch with her dad and sister, Lauren, in the front yard.
Hundreds of games and practices later, Shively is a senior leadoff hitter and center fielder for University High School. She is bound for Valparaiso University to continue playing softball and studying biology and pre-med.
Get to know Shively in this Q&A:
What is your favorite thing about softball?
Kyndal Shively: Building relationships with many other softball players, traveling to new places for tournaments, and when hard work pays off.
What do you like to do outside of softball?
Shively: I love to workout, travel, hike, hangout with my friends, bake and spend quality time with my family.
Ask someone in your family to pick one word to describe you. Who did you choose, what word did they use and why did they use it?
Shively: I chose my mom, and she used the word empathetic. She said, “You genuinely connect with people and care about their feelings and well-being. You are thoughtful and considerate.”
What is the latest show you’ve binge-watched?
Shively: Riverdale.
What is the most memorable thing a coach has said to you?
Shively: “It’s really important to not put so much pressure on yourself and realize how much you have going right for you.” — Chad Hobbs, Athlete Factory
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned from athletics?
Shively: Success does not happen overnight, and it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to reach your goals, no matter if the goal is for athletics or life in general.
What is your favorite place to play softball?
Shively: Space Coast Stadium in Viera, Fla. The stadiums were huge, which was an incredible experience, and the weather was super nice.
What has been your favorite memory from athletics?
Shively: Hitting my first home run in Colorado and my travel teammates being super excited for me.
What is your favorite meal and who makes it?
Shively: Chicken tacos my mom makes.
What is your favorite class?
Shively: My physics class because we are always doing something crazy, like launching rocket ships or rolling bowling balls down the hallway.
If you could be good at any other sport besides softball, what would it be?
Shively: I would love to be good at track and be super fast just so I can outrun anyone who challenges me and beat out any ball in softball.
What movie have you watched the most?
Shively: Finding Nemo.
What is your go-to restaurant?
Shively: Chick-Fil-A.
What food could you eat every day?
Shively: Sweet potato fries or ice cream.
What household chore do you find satisfying?
Shively: Vacuuming.
What is your pregame routine?
Shively: I always pray before the game, tell myself a couple of important tips and reminders, relax and have fun before the game starts.
What is the best piece of advice you have received?
Shively: Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone because progress is made outside of the comfort zone. My parents told me during my sophomore year of high school when I was making the decision to switch high schools. It has helped me grow as a person and athlete.
Where will you be and what will you be doing in four years? Ten years?
Shively: In four years, I will be attending Valparaiso University in Indiana and playing softball. In 10 years, I will be in dental school with hopes of soon becoming a dentist or orthodontist.
ABOUT KYNDAL:
Hometown: Bloomington, Illinois
Year: Senior
Parents: Justin and Christy Shively
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