Shelby's Kendal Parsons signs with Terra State
Surrounded by family, teammates, friends and her current and future coaches, Shelby High School’s Kendal Parsons signed her national letter of intent to continue her softball career at Terra State Community College in Fremont.
The signing ceremony Thursday in the high school commons marked a significant milestone in Parsons’ athletic journey that will continue at the Fremont school after graduating from Shelby.
Parsons, who has been a key player for Shelby, mostly at catcher, but also in center field, expressed her excitement and gratitude.
“I’m really excited for my future because I honestly didn’t think that I would make it this far,” Parsons, Shelby senior, shared in an interview. “I was very worried over the winter that none of these opportunities came to me.”
Then Terra State’s head softball coach, Troy Lewis, made her an offer to play for the Titans.
“I went in and visited his college, and it just felt like home,” Parsons said.
She plans to study biology at Terra State, working to earn her associate’s degree.
Coach Lewis emphasized the importance of
Parsons’ role on the team, especially her skills as a catcher.
“She’s going to be one of the two recruits we have coming in that are catchers, so I’m kind of touting her pretty high,” Lewis stated, noting her ability to hit the ball, her speed, and her personality for a positive impact on team chemistry as he builds the program.
Parsons’ arrival comes at a crucial time as the Titans, a member of the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCACC), look to strengthen their team in their second year of existence.
“I’m trying to build the program around certain attributes, speed being one of them, but personality being another,” Coach Lewis said. “The fact that she’s just an awesome talented young lady, we’re super excited for her.”
Samantha Martin, Shelby girls’ varsity softball coach, praised Parsons.
“I’ve coached her since her freshman year and she’s always been a special player,” Martin said. ‘We knew right from the get go. She’s always hit the ball hard and put it in play, and we could play her anywhere.”
“I know this is her number one sport, and she has put her heart and soul into it,” Martin said.
“This day is really special for her, and we’re really happy to be a part of it,” Martin added. “We knew this day would come, and we’re really proud of her. She’s earned everything she’s gotten, and I think she has a really great future at Terra State for sure.”
Parsons is the daughter of Dan and Shannon Parsons.
Mr. Parsons reflected on his daughter’s journey and the hard work that led to this opportunity.
“She’s overcome a lot. Practice is hard, and it’s well-deserved,” he said, praising both the athletic and educational prospects at Terra State.
The signing ceremony was not only a celebration of Parsons’ commitment to Terra State but also an affirmation of Shelby’s success in fostering athletic talent.
Pat Lewis, Shelby’s director of athletics, highlighted pride in seeing the school’s athletes move on to compete at the next level.
“It’s been a very good couple of years in terms of our student athletes continuing to play in athletics, being involved in athletics, at the next level,” Lewis said, underscoring the importance of celebrating such achievements in the community.
“As an athletic director it’s really a reward for me each time we have the opportunity to get together and do something like this,” he said of the signing ceremony.
At the ceremony, Kendal Parsons took a moment to thank those who have been instrumental in her journey.
“I want to thank God for allowing me this amazing opportunity, and I’m truly blessed,” she said. “To my parents, thank you for being my rock and believing in me. Your sacrifices and support don’t go unnoticed, and I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve ever done for me.”
Parsons spoke of her other family members and friends.
“Thank you for always showing up and being my biggest cheerleaders,” she said. “Thank you to my coaches for pushing me to be my very best..and (seeing) something in me even when I didn’t. And thank you, coach Lewis, for giving me this opportunity and welcoming me to the Titan family. I am truly blessed to have such amazing people by my side.”