Kennedy Zigmond Schilling, 18, is a recent graduate of Winfield High School. She has lived in the Saddle Downs Subdivision in Scott Depot her entire life. Kennedy is the daughter of Jonathan and Kendra Zigmond Schilling. She has a sister Sydney and a dog named Marshall.

Kennedy stated, "I started playing basketball in the third grade and softball even earlier. I was six years old when I began playing tee-ball at Winfield Little League, and I fell in love with the sport!" she recalls. Her dedication to softball has taken her across the country, participating in tournaments in states like Florida, Virginia, Oklahoma, Kentucky, and more. "What I enjoy the most is the friends I've made along the way, and thanks to social media, it's easy to stay in touch with many of them."

Among her many achievements, Kennedy is particularly proud of being part of the WHS Softball Team that won back-to-back AA State Titles in 2023 and 2024. "One of the biggest accomplishments in my softball career is being a part of the WHS Softball Team and winning those state titles," she shares. Kennedy has received numerous accolades, including being named  Honorable ALL-Conference Basketball (2022/21) Kanawha Valley Rookie Basketball Team (2021),  WV AA Softball ALL-Tournament 2023, and 1stTeam All Kanawha Valley Conference 2024.

Kennedy is also a dedicated student. She is active in several school clubs, including the Pep Club, FCA, and Key Club, and is a member of honor societies such as the Spanish Honor Society, National Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta. "Graduating with high honors from WHS, I have learned not to procrastinate and get things done immediately if possible," she says.

Kennedy's favorite memory happened this year. "Sports and friends have brought a lot of favorite memories for me, but the best one this year is when I hit a home run over center field at Poca High School. Not only did it clear the 200-foot fence, but it also landed somewhere on top of the high school. It was a shot!" she exclaims.

Kennedy draws inspiration from her grandmother, Wilma Zigmond. "My Grammy is very special to me. This past year, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, which was a devastating shock to us all," Kennedy shares. Despite the diagnosis, her grandmother has remained positive and strong. "Throughout a long surgery and treatments, my Grammy has a positive outlook on everything. She has not slowed down, continues to have a smile on her face, and has strong faith. She motivates me because she always says, 'God will not give you more than He thinks you can handle.' I want to be a strong woman like her and be able to see the positive in everything."

Kennedy shared with Stroll Winfield that she will be attending Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, KY, where she will major in Biomedical Health Science.

Kennedy's story is one of determination, hard work, and the support of her family and community. Her journey as an athlete and scholar is a testament to her perseverance and positive attitude, making her a role model for young athletes and students everywhere.