Kendall Strawhorn becomes the first Greer High School girls soccer player to sign a grant-in-aid to continue her career in college. Strawhorn signed with Spartanburg Methodist College as her parents, Ken and Donna, observe the ceremony.
Spartanburg Methodist College girls soccer coach Dan Kenneally (blue shirt) and Greer coach Rob DePaol attend Kendal Strawhorn's signing ceremony. Her parents, Ken and Donna, attended the ceremony.
Strawhorn, a member of the school’s first Region III soccer championship team and subsequent initial state playoff victory (3-1 over York), will help push SMC soccer coach Dan Kenneally to two coaching milestones. Kenneally is 9 wins short of 150 victories at SMC and he needs 14 more wins to reach the career 300 plateau.
SMC was ranked No. 15 in the final National Junior College Athletic Association poll last year.
Strawhorn said SMC is the right fit for her soccer and education career to continue. “When (Kenneally) came to my games he made me feel part of their program,” Strawhorn said. “Midway in the ninth grade I began concentrating more on my school work to get good grades and college offers.”
Kenneally, on hand for the signing at the Greer High library, said Strawhorn is a reflection of his coaching philosophy. “I watch players and see what fits my personality,” Kenneally said. “This kid can play and she understands the game. She works hard and is technically sound.” Strawhorn will play center midfielder at SMC.
“I wish she was a junior,” Greer coach Rob DePaol said. “Kendal is decisive and a smart player with great vision.”
Strawhorn said her high school career has prepared her for her studies. “I want to learn to be an X-ray technician. All the fractures I had in my feet and broken bones got me interested in the field.” She said transferring to USC Upstate is an option after SMC.
“I will remember my soccer family and all the friends I’ve made,” Strawhorn said of her Greer career. “I will remember winning the Region championship and how we were ready to win the first playoff game. Our confidence was sky-high.”
Strawhorn’s parents, Ken and Donna, were on hand for the signing. “Kendall has been playing soccer for fourteen years and we think it has paid off in the end,” Donna said.