Kendall Hennelly

“I chose Carthage because I wanted a small, close-knit community with a supportive atmosphere. I loved that each club and team here at Carthage is always there for one another. I also really admired the academics here. The opportunity to form personal relationships with professors isn’t available at every school. This has been really good for my grades and has pushed me to be a better student in the classroom.”

“Being a Firebird is very special to me — I always feel supported and loved. The community here pushes me to be the best version of myself; I am very grateful to be a Firebird.”

“My favorite memory with my soccer team is when we went to Boston, Massachusetts together. We had the opportunity to explore the city and play at some beautiful complexes. Experiencing Boston with my team brought us all closer, and that was a really cool thing to see.”

“It can definitely be a little overwhelming at times, but most people on campus are student-athletes, so it never feels like I’m doing it alone. I mainly look to my teammates when I need help, so having that support system in and out of the classroom feels nice.”

“I have learned that time management is essential to becoming a successful student-athlete. I have to recognize my priorities and make enough time to accomplish them throughout each day. Sometimes, this can be tough when we have a set time for practice and class, but I make sure to plan out my days in advance. To avoid feeling tired, I consistently find things to do throughout the day. My busy schedule gives me the momentum I need to avoid napping and be more productive.”

“I definitely feel supported by my coaches and professors — their actions show that they genuinely care about my well-being. For example, my coaches set up occasional meetings to talk to us players individually. These meetings give us the opportunity to discuss topics such as our personal soccer goals and anything else on our minds. We also fill out a mental health form every week. This allows them to check in with us in case something happens. Additionally, Support the Sport events enable Carthage sports teams to support one another. When other teams come to watch our soccer games, I feel supported by my peers and the Carthage community.”

“My biggest accomplishment at Carthage has been my recovery after my ACL injury. I have pushed myself mentally and physically in ways I had never experienced before. I got a different perspective on the sport, which has changed me as a soccer player.”

“My favorite athletic facility on campus is Art Keller Field. The turf is so nice, and the bleachers can seat a huge crowd. Hosting night games is my favorite because the atmosphere, mixed with the adrenaline, is so much fun. On those nights, Art Keller Field almost feels magical.”

“I am involved in the Psychology Club. I really enjoy learning about psychology with people who also share the same interests.”

“I want to be some type of therapist. I love the idea of getting into sports psychology because my soccer experience provides me with an inside perspective. Sports, in general, can be mentally challenging, so it is valuable to be able to access those psychological resources. Someday, I want to be that resource for an athlete.”

“My advice for other students who are considering competing at the college level is to be prepared to overcome adversity. Your college experience may not go as expected in many circumstances, so adaptability is important. Come into school with an open mind and approach every difficult situation with class. As long as you put in the work, you will achieve success. You just might have to be patient.”