Athlete Profile: Kendra Kristof

Shawano Community High School senior Kendra Kristof’s softball career was an up-and-down one.

She was diagnosed with a head injury during a strong freshman season, missed her sophomore year because of the injury and then was robbed of her junior season by the coronavirus pandemic. That didn’t deter Kristof from doing whatever it took to get back on the softball field. When she returned this spring, she turned in more strong play for the Hawks.

The senior played some of her best ball as the regular season came to a close.

Kristof tallied two hits during Shawano’s win over Antigo on June 5 during a quad in Shawano.

During the team’s senior night doubleheader sweep of Green Bay United on June 3 in Shawano, Kristof got on base several times and scored a couple runs while also making some key defensive plays.

Q: When did your interest in softball begin?

A: I have played softball since I was in T-ball (age 4). I would say my interest began when I was on a 12U tournament team and we went undefeated.

Q: What is your favorite part about the softball season?

A: My favorite part about the softball season is just being with the players, coaches and softball family.

Q: You were injured during your freshman season. Can you talk a little bit about how you got injured and then what you had to do to eventually get back on the field?

A: I played my freshman year and towards the end of my freshman year I began having head issues. I was then diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis and became very weak and wasn’t able to function very well. I was on treatment for about a year and started feeling much better.

Q: You were set to play your junior year, only to have the pandemic end that opportunity. How did you remain positive last spring and stay motivated coming into your senior season?

A: This senior season, it was very hard getting back into the swing of softball considering I could barely throw a ball in the beginning of the season. It took a lot of practice to get back to where I am now.

Q: Talk about your emotions that first game back on the field this spring.

A: I was very nervous my first game back; there were a lot of emotions going through me at that moment. Everyone was happy to see me back and couldn’t believe how well I recovered from everything.

Q: Before a game begins, do you have any rituals you go through?

A: “Tom Talks” (pep talks from assistant coach Tom Kristof, Kendra’s dad) is something we do before every game.

Q: Favorite TV show, movie and musical artist?

A: TV show — “Criminal Minds.” Movie — “Benchwarmers.” Musical artist — Morgan Wallen

Q: Name one thing about yourself that not many people know?

A: I am ambidextrous and my nickname is “Beast.”

Q: What’s the greatest piece of advice you have ever been told?

A: God only gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers.

Q: What are some things you hope to accomplish in the coming years?

A: I plan on attending UW-Oshkosh and get my degree in either nursing or elementary education.

AT A GLANCE

Athlete: Kendra Kristof

Sport: Softball

Position: Second base

School: Shawano Community High School

Year: Senior