Athlete of the Week: Kenya Yancy

Braden River sophomore Kenya Yancy hit a homerun in the bottom of the ninth inning, propelling the Lady Pirates to a 7-6 Class 7A-District 11 victory over Sarasota March 2. The walk-off was Yancy’s first home run of the season. Here is an inside look at this week’s Athlete of the Week.

What was your reaction when you hit a walk-off home run?
I didn’t know it was over, at first. I didn’t want to stop at first base if it was a good hit, so I just started sprinting, and then, everyone told me to slow down. I was happy, because it was a long game.

What’s it been like now that you finally hit your first homerun of the season?
I’m more relaxed now when I come up to the plate. At the beginning of the season I (struggled) a little bit. Since I committed, I didn’t want to look bad. I’ve put in a lot of extra work.

How did you get into softball?
My parents are really big into sports, and my granddad played baseball.

What do you enjoy the most about softball?
Tagging people. I don’t know why. It’s just exciting, and I tag kind of hard.

What made you decide to commit to the University of South Florida?
They have a good facility and a good program. The coach is a good coach, and hopefully, they’ll continue to build up the program before I get there.

Do you know what you want to be when you grow up?
A physician’s assistant. I like the health field and helping people.

Do you have any siblings?
I have an older brother, Carlos, 22, and a younger sister, Zaire, 12.

What’s your favorite dessert?
Strawberry cheesecake ice cream

Who was your favorite Disney princess growing up?
Cinderella

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?
France and Italy