WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. ââ'¬" There are many different aspects to sophomore infielder Emily Kenny. There is the tenacious, stubborn and relentless side that calls her game on the field focused and dreams of going on to be a college softball coach. There is the goofy side that says her best non-athletic talent is eating and claims she has expressive eyebrows. And then there is a laid back side that enjoys feeling confident and relaxed in the batter's box and also loves any city with warm weather that has a beach to offer her.
It is that mix that prepares Kenny for success on the field. She is always ready with a laugh to lighten the mood or supply a booming voice to root on teammates, but also has ice in her veins to step in and cut down balls in the gap, make a diving stop or drive the game-clinching run home.
Kenny saw action in 40 games as a rookie, starting 15 at third base, 10 in right field and one at first base. She tallied 13 hits, including three doubles, two triples and four home runs for a .416 slugging percentage. The Ashburn, Virginia, native had a knack for getting on base, with four walks and three hit by pitches. She also aided the Boilermakers on the scoreboard with 14 RBI, including two game winners, and 14 runs, including four game winners.
"Em will compete in the outfield, as well as third base for us," head coach Boo De Oliveira said. "She has a very strong arm and is super aggressive on defense. She has gap power offensively and runs well. Em has one speed ââ'¬" 100 percent - and I love that. She has quite a bit of game experience and will help lead our team this season."
Spoken like a future coach, Kenny says her favorite thing about playing in Bittinger Stadium is "every little detail, because our stadium is perfect." She also notices her surroundings on the road, noting that Ohio State is her favorite place to play in the Big Ten besides home because "their atmosphere is awesome."
Learn more about Emily below.
Fun Facts
Sweet or salty: sweet
Chocolate or vanilla: chocolate
Dogs or cats: dogs
Cooking or eating:eating
Vacation: To the quiet country or to the big city: to the big city
Coolest place I've ever been/or most unique locale: I haven't really been anywhere cool
Place I dream of visiting someday: Philippines
Person I look up to most & why: Coach Eileen Hannigan-- she's taught me how to be an outstanding softball player and is very wise in life
Best feeling in the field (defensively): Making a diving stop/catch
Best Feeling at the plate (offensively): Feeling confident and relaxed in the box
Favorite thing about my position: The ability to throw runners out and cut down balls in the gap
Three words that describe me: Tenacious, Stubborn, Relentless
One word to describe my game: Focused
Team I am most excited to play in 2017: Nebraska
My most memorable sports moment: Hitting the game clincher in the double header vs. IU
Celebrity crush: Michael B. Jordan
Celebrity who would play me in a story of my life: Missy Peregrym
Person I would like to have dinner with: My grandpa
Best non-athletic talent: Eating
My stupid human trick is: I have expressive eyebrows
Dream job: college softball coach
Song I have to listen to before a game: Guwop Home by Gucci Mane
Favorite thing about playing at Boilermaker Softball Stadium: Every little detail...our stadium is perfect
My favorite place to play in the Big Ten, besides home: Ohio State--their atmosphere is awesome
Place I am most excited to play in 2017: Palm Springs, CA
Person who has impacted my life/made me who I am: My parents
Favorite things
Favorite sweet treat: ice cream
Favorite ice cream flavor: Ben and Jerry's Half Baked
Favorite holiday: Christmas
Favorite sport besides softball: Football
Favorite sports team: Washington Nationals
Favorite Athlete: Odell Beckham Jr
Favorite TV show: Private Practice
Favorite Movie: I don't really have a favorite movie...but I love "Last Chance U" on Netflix
Favorite Book: Tuesdays with Morrie
Favorite Musical Artist: Future
Favorite type of pizza: White
Favorite Actor: Paul Walker
Favorite Food: Mexican
Favorite place on campus: Student Union
Favorite city: Anywhere warm that has a beach
Favorite outdoor activity: Softball
Favorite animal/furry friend: Polar Bear
Favorite class at Purdue: Human Sexuality
Favorite Purdue professor: Professor Elias