TOWSON, Md. –
Kendyl Scott lights up the softball field with her passionate performances, sparkling spirit and sensational smile.
Recently, Scott enjoyed an explosive experience to remember in shining for Great Britain in the recently completed 2016 WBSC XV Women's World Softball Championship in Surrey, Canada. Scott feasted on the intense international competition while consistently playing at a high level.
A rising junior for the Tigers who earned a spot on the All-Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Softball Tournament team, Scott helped Great Britain finish 13th overall out of 31 teams in the international softball showcase.
Playing with controlled power and a graceful elegance, Scott sizzled by compiling a .388 batting average. Her relentless offensive barrage also featured a double and a triple. Defensively, Scott showcased her fantastic arm by compiling three outfield assists.
"Playing in Canada was something that will stay with me forever," Scott said. "It was an indescribable feeling being able to represent Great Britain and make a name for ourselves. We played our hearts out and showed the world that we deserve to be up there with the big countries."
A native of La Quinta, California, Scott was granted dual citizenship earlier this year – her father Peter is British. She participated in a pair of tournaments in Slough, England in the Great Britain Invitational Tournament and London Cup. Scott's teams won both tournaments and she earned the best batter award in the London Cup after compiling a .727 average (8-for-11).
While she made her mark on the field during the tournament, many of Scott's best moments occurred away from the field. Scott made the most of her first trip to Canada in her life by touring Stanley Park with her family. She also had a terrific time interacting with wide-eyed and energetic little kids. That left an impression on Scott.
"One moment I will always remember is after every game, all the little kids coming up to me and my team asking for autographs," Scott said. "Seeing their smiles and how they looked up to us is something that blew my mind. I was once one of those girls and to be the one who is being looked up to is such an incredible feeling."
Her 2016 season was pretty incredible as well.
Scott helped Towson advance to the championship game for the second time in three years. She was fourth in the CAA in stolen bases with 18. Scott finished with a .300 batting average in 54 games and was one of five players with a .300 batting average for the Tigers. Scott had 51 hits, scored 37 runs and collected 25 RBIs while drawing 12 walks. Scott enjoyed a team and career best 11-game hitting streak from April 5-24. She was third on the team with 13 multi-hit games.
In addition to enhanced softball skills, Scott returns to campus in a few weeks with a lifetime full of memories. With Wednesday's official announcement from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that softball will return to the Olympics in 2020 in Tokyo, Scott has her eyes focused on the prize of earning a coveted roster spot.
"I grew to love the game even more than I already do," Scott said. "Playing at the international level is something that I will cherish for a very long time. I got to see how every country honored the game and played the game. It was definitely eye-opening."
