For the first time in program history, the Houston Heights High School varsity softball team advanced to the fourth round of the playoffs after defeating Memorial High School. The 2024 Heights softball team consisted of five seniors each leading their team in their respective skill, but none was more feared by opposing teams than senior shortstop, Kennedy Hill.
“When I’m up to bat, all I look for are strikes,” said Hill. “I knew in the playoffs I wasn’t going to get many good pitches to hit, and many pitchers were going to try and get me to chase balls outside the strike zone. But when I see a pitch I like I got for it. I can’t miss out on that pitch because I know I won’t get them very often.”
Hill led the team with 10 home runs, 44 RBIs, 33 runs scored, a batting average of .303, and a slugging percentage of .758.
“I wanted to build more power and strength, so I began doing more explosive workouts, less reps and more weight. The goal was to swing faster with more explosion in my swing,” said Hill.
Kennedy Hill
IG: @kennedyy_kj
Twitter: @KennedyHill2024
Position: Shortstop, Outfielder
Height & weight: 5-feet-8, 170 pounds
Players she studies: Outfielders currently at the University of Incarnate Word
Status: Committed to the University of Incarnate Word
Favorite artist: J. Monty
Favorite subject: English
Shout-outs: My parents, God
Hill’s batting, combined with teammate Haylie Jaime’s pitching as the reigning district MVP and center fielder Laila Robins’ dependable pop fly glove, made for a formidable Heights team with lots of heart.
“It was very fun playing with them. We have great chemistry on and off the field, so playing with them was an amazing experience,” said Hill. “I knew they had my back and I had theirs. We’ve known each other for a while and that makes it easier for us to trust each other on the field.”
Hill began playing softball when she was eight years old for the Hawks in the West University Softball Association. Throughout her years she’s played with several teams including TSF Elite, Bombers, Blaze United, Impact Gold and Dymond Legacy. However, it wasn’t until her freshman year that she realized she was simply built differently than most.
“I knew I had something special my freshman year. I was nervous coming to high school and I didn’t know what to expect but, that’s when I knew I was kind of different from everybody else. I was already there and I knew that I was going to be able to add something special to the team,” said Hill.
Before softball, Hill tried volleyball but found her gift on the softball diamond.
“My dad took me to see a few volleyball clubs because I was showing interest, but the girls on that level were just so far advanced, I just couldn’t get with it at the moment. I played my freshman year in high school, but I found my skills best being used on the softball diamond,” said Hill.
Hill credits her experience of playing on the national level for preparing her to make a huge impact on the high school level.
“The national level is way more complex,” said Hill. “The game moves so much faster and that forces you to stay on your toes, but it helps get you ready for college ball. With it being more competitive, you also get more colleges looking at you too.”
Next season Hill will be playing at the University of Incarnate Word while studying cyber security.
“When I went to visit the coaches were very nice and respectful. They discussed the importance of having good mental health and I feel that’s something very important when it comes to sports. It’s also a Christian University and that’s something that’s really important to me, so I felt right at home there,” said Hill.
When looking back to inspire the next group of athletes, Hill recalls the advice given to her by her dad, Joe Hill.
“Strive to be the best you can be. Don’t let anybody tear you down because there’s always going to be haters who will not like you for any reason. Sometimes they don’t even have to have one. Just know who you are and don’t let anybody change that,” said Hill.
