Q & A Session: Kendall Potts

What was it like having an older sister play collegiate softball in front of you?
KP: "Since I was in diapers, I have been around softball. My sister started playing when she was around five years old, which would have made me two. Softball has been a constant presence throughout my life since day one. My sister and I are completely different players on the field. She's tall and naturally strong, which made her a power hitter. I, on the other hand, am a tall and slender pitcher. We were just two completely different players growing up. It was funny though, when she would get in trouble, my mom would make her catch me as punishment."
 
How do you think you have grown as an athlete and a person over the last few years here at Texas A&M?
KP: "I would say I have changed a lot. Everything I have been through the last couple of years has shaped me into the athlete I am today. I was able to get past the injuries and obstacles to see the other side and get back on the field. Coach Dill and Coach Evans have helped me to build my mental game, and also have helped me grow as a person. Coach Evans always talks about leaving this program as better athletes and better people, and she really helps us in doing that."
 
What goes through your mind before a pitch?
KP: "I try not to let too much go through my mind before I throw. Most of the time I am thinking about what pitch I should throw next. Coach Dill and I are always on the same page, so when I get the call and it was the pitch I was thinking, it makes me feel confident and ready to throw. Depending on what pitch is called, I have a short phrase I think to myself for different pitches as well."
 
If you could play any other position what would it be?
KP: "If I was fast and more coordinated, I would want to play in the outfield. Being able to chase down a ball and rob some home runs would be awesome. My teammates laugh when I'm playing outfield during batting practice. I'm actually trying out there, because it's fun to me."
 
What is one piece of advice you have given the incoming freshman?
KP: "I have gotten the chance to work with Ashley {Daugherty} quite a bit. Over the years, I have found that it is easy to make any situation bigger than it needs to be. There is a lot of pressure that pitchers have to deal with. I have to simplify it to make it easier for myself. Working with Ashley, I have reminded her that you are just throwing a pitch. You get the call and throw that pitch. Whatever happens after that is just what happens. I still have to remind myself of that sometimes. All you can do is to control what you can control, anything outside of that will lead you to other distractions. If I can teach any of our young pitchers anything, it's to take it one pitch at a time."
 
What has been the biggest accomplishment of your career?
KP: "Coming back to softball after being out of playing for two years. It was a very long road to get here, but I made it back and that is what matters."
 
Looking back is there anything you would want to change?
KP: "It would be easy to say yes to this question, but everything that has happened in the last six years has led me to this program. I have made memories and friendships within this team that will last with me forever. I'm living the dream."
 
Is there a specific game or moment that has stuck with you while playing?
KP: "The Alabama game last season and giving them their first loss and breaking the streak was a big win for us. I would also say our LSU win. I'd been struggling leading up to that game, and I felt like I had finally found myself again with that win. There have been other high moments in my career here, but those are the two that stick out the most for me."

Of the core values Texas A&M holds, which one do you feel you encompass the most?
KP: "Respect."
 
What do you want your lasting impact to be?
KP: "I want to be the teammate that never gave up and always came out ready to work for her team."
 
If you could go to one concert and be in the mosh pit, who would you see?
KP: "Last fall a few of my favorite bands A Day to Remember, I Prevail, and Beartooth went on tour together. The singer for A Day to Remember will walk over the crowd in a giant hamster ball. If I could have gone to that show, I would be right in the middle of that mosh pit. But if somebody shouted, 'Wall of Death,' I'm out of there. That show would have been amazing to experience."