Foyil’s Mallory Pendergraft
Every season if different for most teams and schools. For the Foyil Lady Panthers, this is a season of growth and development. Mallory Pendergraft is a senior this year and one of the leaders coach Kyle Kendrick is leaning on to help develop the younger players who are stepping into roles as starters. Pendergraft is a player who can play multiple positions.
“I have played shortstop; third base and catcher. My favorite position is third but having to be the catcher this year,” said Pendergraft.
It was in the sixth grade when she started playing softball and now a senior, Pendergraft said she loves being around her teammates and bringing a positive attitude to the dugout.
“I want my teammates to trust me and come to me with questions or issues. I want to make sure they are having fun yet playing to their potential,” Pendergraft said. “Our team is young and learning. They are good at not bringing each other down when we make errors. We try to just encourage each other to fix it and move on.”
Pendergraft is known for being a solid hitter at the plate. It’s something she works on to ensure she has productive at-bats.
“I think it is important to watch the pitcher as well as the batter. I like to see if the batters swing late or early,” said Pendergraft.
The senior said a former teammate left an impression on her that she will not forget and she draws inspiration from someone close to home.
“Jayden Parrish graduated last year and is playing at Cameron University this year. Like I am having to this year, she played a position that wasn’t her first choice but did it for the team. She gave her 100 percent and didn’t complain,” Pendergraft said. “My dad inspires me. He works very hard and has taught us kids that you get what you work for. You can’t be lazy. He tells us “You get out what you put in.”
Also a member of the Student Council and National Honor Society, Pendergraft serves as FFA chapter President, is a member of the trap shooting team and plays basketball in the winter. Away from school, you can usually find her spending time with friends and family.
“I have a four-year-old niece Kelsey May that I spend a lot of time with. We both love to watch Transformers movies. I also just like being with family and friends,” said Pendergraft.
Once her playing days come to an end at FHS, Pendergraft plans to continue her education at the next level.
“I am currently taking concurrent classes at RSU. I would like to major in Architecture Engineering or design.”
