Graduate catcher Kennedy Miller joined the Aggies for the 2027 season. The Arkansas transfer started 46 of 49 games behind the plate, batting .286 with 32 hits, five doubles, three home runs and 27 RBI. She posted a .989 fielding percentage with 243 putouts and 19 assists and earned freshman All-America honors from D1Softball and Softball America in 2024.
Get to know one of the newest Aggies…
What ultimately led you to Texas A&M for your final year of eligibility?
It was kind of a homecoming for me. Both of my parents graduated from Texas A&M and my little sister actually just got accepted earlier this month. I had always dreamed of getting an Aggie Ring, and even outside of softball, I knew Texas A&M was somewhere I always wanted to be. When I was given the opportunity to attend graduate school and continue playing softball, I knew I couldn't pass it up.
How has your transition to Texas A&M been, both on and off the field?
So far, it's been pretty smooth. I've really enjoyed everything. Everybody around me has been so welcoming, whether it's the staff or just someone passing by on the street. Everybody is super nice and it's made the transition as easy as it could be. I love it here.
As a graduate transfer, what experiences are you hoping to bring to this team?
I think we've helped each other out a little bit because we know we have each other in our corners, having played together previously at Arkansas. It's been nice having someone familiar around before even stepping foot on campus, and I've really enjoyed that.
How has your approach to catching evolved throughout your college career?
I've always looked up to different people throughout my career, but one of the biggest influences has been Taylor Ellsworth, who is also from Georgetown, where I'm from. Earlier in my career, she was someone I went to for catching lessons, but over time, she's become more of a mentor. I can call her and talk about anything, even if it has nothing to do with softball. Our relationship started through softball, and she's been someone I've looked up to throughout my career.
What has it been like getting to know and working with a new pitching staff?
It's definitely taken a lot of hard work. I actually caught Sidne Peters years ago when we were playing travel ball. I think we were around 14 years old, so I had some familiarity with her, but everyone else was completely new to me. I've been taking time outside of practice to get to know them, not just as pitchers, but as people. I want to understand what they expect on and off the field and how they prefer to communicate. I've also been taking as many reps as possible during bullpens and practices to continue building those relationships.
How do you see yourself stepping into a leadership role as one of the more experienced players on the roster?
I'm super excited. I want to be someone who doesn't get too high or too low, but stays consistent and steady throughout the game, whether we're winning by 10 or losing by 10. I hope my teammates see me as someone they can count on to be a consistent and vocal leader. Having played in the SEC for the past three years, I want to use those experiences to help lead this team.
What has been the biggest lesson softball has taught you throughout your college career?
Nothing is given, everything is earned. Coming from a smaller town, I had to work my way up through everything. That goes back to what my parents taught me growing up, whether it was softball, school or anything else. Nothing is handed to you, and you have to be willing to put your head down and work hard. That's something I really strive for, and I want to be known as someone who works hard.
What are you most excited playing in front of the 12th Man?
I'm so excited. I had the opportunity to play here during my sophomore year, and it was amazing. Seeing everyone participate in the War Hymn and how involved the crowd is in every single pitch is something special. They're behind you all the time. Even something as small as the bubbles is something I'm really excited about. It's one of those little things you notice as an opposing player, but now getting to be a part of it is really cool.
If you could go back and give your freshman-year self one piece of advice, what would it be?
I would probably tell myself to keep grinding. I know that's a word used a lot in sports, but my freshman year was one of the best years I've had, and then I struggled a little more during my sophomore year. I would tell myself to stay consistent, continue working hard and keep pushing forward. Just know that everything will work out the way it's supposed to.
What's something about you that fans might be surprised to learn?
I'm actually an introvert, which is something people probably wouldn't expect based on how I act on the field. They probably see me as an extrovert because I'm always smiling, laughing and talking with my teammates. One of my teammates actually told me this year that there was no way I was an introvert, but I really am.