Trinity High School senior softball player Kendall Hynes has had five head coaches in her four seasons on the varsity: Bob Osborne, Jim Goranson, Steve Curley, Ivette Cano, and current coach Chardonnay Harris.
No question that revolving door has been challenging for Hynes, but she is staying strong and hasn’t let the instability affect her.
“Having a new coach each season has certainly not been ideal,” said Hynes, “but that doesn’t take away from the phenomenal people I have come across because of the Trinity softball program. Being coached by five different coaches has given me the opportunity to become more versatile as a player and understanding of different coaching methods.”
Here is what else is on Hynes’s mind:
- Most memorable Trinity moment: “Hitting a home run in the first game of my freshman year season.”
- What it’s like playing for Coach Harris: “I have looked up to her from a young age, so it’s really cool to be playing for her now. Her softball knowledge is unmatched and I have learned a lot from her in the past two months she has been coaching me.”
- Thoughts on how Hynes’ Blazers have played so far this season: “I believe that when everyone is locked in, we have the potential to compete against some really good teams. Right now, I feel there are still some missing pieces, but I am hopeful that we will have some success later on this season.”
- Lessons learned at Trinity: “Being at Trinity and, more specifically, being in the softball program has taught me what it means to be a good leader, which I know is a positive characteristic I will carry with me beyond high school. It has truly empowered me to find my voice and to never be afraid of sharing my opinion.”
- College plan: “I will be attending DePauw University in the fall where I will be majoring in political science and playing softball. I see a lot of similarities between Trinity and DePauw; they both prepare their students to be successful beyond the classroom.”
- Favorite music: “I am a big Elvis girl. Actually, an Elvis impersonator is coming to perform at school later this week for our Spring Spirit Week. He came last year and it was by far my favorite day that I’ve had at Trinity.”
- Hobbies: “Softball takes up a lot of my time, but when I’m not playing or practicing, I enjoy working my job at the mall and coaching young players.”
- Favorite food: “Any kind of bagel. I love the Daily Bagel in Oak Park; I spend a lot of my summer mornings there with friends.”
- Famous person Hynes wants to meet: “I would love to have coffee with Tom Hanks. He’s my favorite actor and I just would like to talk about all the movies he’s been in. I would show him the pictures of me dressed up as Forrest Gump for one of the dress-up days at Trinity.”
- Biggest challenge facing teenagers: “The constant feeling of unworthiness. There’s a standard for people to be excellent 24/7, but in reality everyone makes mistakes and those mistakes shouldn’t always define them.”
- Dream vacation: “Italy. I would love to eat the food there and try their coffee.”
- Three words that describe you: “Per my dad, faithful, genuine, and principled.”