MSU’S Kennedy cooks on field, in the kitchen
Her time in the kitchen may still be relatively short, but Mississippi State freshman softball player Madisyn Kennedy is in the primary stages of what may turn out to be a stellar career on the diamond.
Kennedy a shortstop from Montgomery, Alabama, began the first half of her freshman season with solid numbers that helped the Bulldogs to a 25-3 mark.
Kennedy and her teammates’ personal seasons were given a second half when the NCAA was forced to cancel the national schedule beginning in mid-march due to the coronavirus (COVID-19). The move included all postseason tournaments and moved the second half of the season – a full tilt – to 2021.
The season’s second half will not affect MSU’S playing eligibility. The NCAA has given all players an exemption this season.
During her time away from the softball diamond, it would be safe to say Kennedy has spent her days improving her skills in the kitchen.
“It’s the most enjoyable thing I do,” Kennedy said of cooking. “I like making pasta noodles from scratch. I like making the healthier side of things.”
A nutrition major at State, Kennedy said she has another favorite part of cooking – this one outside the kitchen.
“I love grocery shopping,” Kennedy said. “I just like the whole process.”
While she didn’t have a hand in cooking her family’s Thanksgiving dinner, she wanted to make pumpkin bread. Kennedy has bigger dreams.
Kennedy said she would one day like to open her own restaurant, possibly in Starkville.
“I’d cook a little bit of everything – some Italian, some American,” Kennedy said. “Starkville would defi
nitely be an option.”
For now, Kennedy will continue her work as a sports nutritionist at MSU.
“I like to guide athletes and show them how to be the best athletes they can be,” Kennedy said. “My job is to encourage people and live as an example.”
Kennedy has had the opportunity to learn plenty from State head coach Samantha Ricketts.
Along with teaching Kennedy the finer points of playing shortstop, she’s also given Kennedy advice on being a sports nutritionist.
Ricketts has grown quite the reputation as being quite the host, preparing deep dish pizzas, tacos and lasagna for the Bulldogs, opposing visiting teams and large groups.
“I can encourage (Kennedy),” Ricketts said. “We have a couple of nutritionists on staff, so I can help her from that department.”
As for her play on the field, Kennedy is expected by her coach to become a very special player.
“I have all the confidence she’s going to be one of the elite shortstops in the country,” Ricketts said. “She’s been quite an addition to this team.
“I expect she’ll be outstanding at the plate and a leader on the field,” Ricketts said. “Second base is going to be an open position for us. She’s worked to be a coach for the person at that position.”
With the second half of her freshman season looming in 2021, Kennedy was looking to prove 2020 was just a morsel of her abilities and that she’s ready to put the succulent seasoning of success on her diamond talents.
The first half showed that promise.
In all 28 games the Bulldogs
played in 2020, Kennedy hit .333 (25-for-75) with three home runs, 18 runs batted in, three doubles and two stolen bases. She also had a hand in seven of the team’s 28 double plays.
As for her future, Kennedy knows how far she can go.
“The only person that can stop you from doing more is yourself,” Kennedy said.