Athlete Spotlight: Kherington Stephens #2

SPORTS: softball

Tell us your story. What life experiences have impacted your journey? What motivates you? What is your “why"?

I started playing softball when I around the age 9. I knew ever since then I needed to push myself more than the other girls since I started at a late age. From the beginning, I knew I had love for the game and was something I wanted to do, now that I'm older it's something I live for. I've learned to work through those hard times and remember to keep telling myself that this is where the growth happens. I still remember looking up to all the older girls and telling myself I'm going to be there one day. Their confidence, drive, and love for the game really pushed me more to become a better athlete myself. My faith has grown so much on and off the field. I know that God has plans for me and I just have to stop and trust him. My "why" is my family. Without them I wouldn't be where I am today. With the endless late nights coming back from tournaments, the hours driving to watch me play, or even the time they took to sit and watch me practice. I also play for the pressure moments. The two outs, bases loaded, a 3-2 count moments. I believe that it's powerful to younger girls when they see older girls playing for not just themselves but for everyone that pushes them and guides them in the right ways.

What role does your faith play in your life and in your sports career?

My faith is the foundation of everything I do on and off the field. As a high school athlete, softball can be stressful, with school and having to study for tests or quizzes after a late night, practice and games, but my faith reminds me to stay calm and trust God's plan and to work hard. My faith helps me to stay calm in the tough moments and reminds me that my worth is so much more than the wins or losses. My faith also teaches me to be a good teammate, show respect, and lead by example on and off the field.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse? If so, which one and why?

My favorite Bible verse is 1 Corinthians 2:9 "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him." This verse reminds me that God has bigger plans for me than what I can see right now. When i face the challenge of pressure losses, or tough practices, this verse helps me trust that God has prepared great things for me if i keep my faith in him. It also reminds me that my success is not only about winning games, but also about growing as a person and staying strong in my faith. This verse also gives me hope and helps me stay patient in the challenging times.

What accomplishment are you most proud of personally and athletically (name one of each)?

Personally, I'm proud to balancing school, and softball, pushing through hard practices and workouts, and continuing to improve my skills each time I go out on the field. I'm proud of being a supportive teammate, leading by example and keeping a positive attitude through tough wins or looses. I'm proud of the small things like showing discipline, not giving up, and growing mentally and physically as a person on and off the field.

What do you feel sets you apart from your competition and what skills do you currently possess that are your biggest assets?

As a high school student athlete, I feel like what set me apart from others is my work ethic, determination, and positive mindset. I stay pushing myself to improve in the classroom as well as on the field, even when things get challenging. I don't give up easily, and I'm also trying to learn from my mistakes instead of letting them bring me down. My biggest assets are my discipline, determination, and ability to stay focused under pressure. I also work well with my teammates, and always give my best effort no matter the situation. 

What skills are you most focused on improving?

I am focused on my first step reaction in the outfield as well as my throwing and quick transfer while under intense pressure. I'm also focused on hitting. I'm working on keeping my head down, staying over while I hit, and getting full extension; something Coach Jimmy is always working on with me. 

Tell us what a typical day or week is like for you:

Some days look the same while some days are different. On days I have games, I wake up early and go to school and then after school I head to the field to get it ready for the game later that night, then I either head home or stay in the locker room to do my homework for the night and then shortly after that head back up to the field for the game! On non gamedays, my days start the same by going to school and then after school I have practice and on some days an extra practice after. Once a week I have a hitting lesson. In between that I make time to hangout with friends and have a little free time to reflect on my week and spend some time with God.

What are your plans for the future and what is your number one objective for the next year / season?

I want to play softball in college and become a nurse of some type. My number one objective for this upcoming season is to remember to keep God first and becoming more consistent in everything I do.

What is the biggest challenge you see in achieving your upcoming goal or where could you use help?

I'd say my biggest challenge is staying consistent and determined when I'm tired or stressed. I just have to keep reminding myself that all the growth comes from moments like those. I'm also still learning how to manage everything correctly that comes with the game balancing school, training, practicing, homework, and competition while continuing to push myself to improve.

What words of advice do you have for younger athletes that are up and coming?

My advice to younger athletes is to never give up when it's hard. That's when you grow. There are going to be so many moments where you feel like you should quit or you feel like your not good enough. Don't give up. there are going to be coaches other parents or players that hate on you for constantly pushing yourself. that is not a sign to give up. If anything it is a sign to work hard, practice harder, and get to the place where you see your future self.

Who was your favorite player growing up or who's style of play do you most admire?

I love Karlyn Pickens because she works so hard, pushes herself, and shows that dedication can lead to at a high level. She proves that you don't have to be perfect you just have to keep improving. She also knows how to stay calm under pressure and perform in big moments.

What one question would you have for your favorite athlete if they were sitting here now?

I would ask her what she does to stay true to herself and as a leader she is at such a high level. I would also ask her what she does to stay motivated when she's worn out and constantly under extreme pressure.

Is there anything else you would like to share with the community?

I'd just like to share that I will give everything I have into something I love. I want to be known for someone that was true to herself and her teammates. Also as a leader in her faith and someone that anyone could lean on if they were having issues. The thing I want to do the most is make a huge impact on the people around me, not just the people in the game, but in the people I go to school with and live around.