Zgaynor focuses on improvement for upcoming softball season

In a quest to have a successful season, Poplar Bluff High School’s head softball coach Aaron Duncan will rely on the leadership of one of his key seniors.

With high anticipation for the season, senior Kennedy Zgaynor will take her final swing as a Lady Mules softball player, using her experience and skills to push the team forward.

“I’m pretty excited about the upcoming season,” Zgaynor said. “I’ve gotten a lot better with the help of Coach Duncan, (Tyler) Mathys and (Joan) Lack. They’ve done a great job preparing us for opening day with intense practices, and it’s been going well. I personally feel pretty good and confident with myself and the team. I believe we have a shot to be pretty good.”

During the summer, Zgaynor focused on improving her skills, and though she has seen a ton of improvement, she never takes a day off from getting better than she was the day before.

“I think all-around I need to get better,” Zgaynor said. “I’m never really satisfied with myself, so I think just getting better all around is something I always want to strive for.”

Zgaynor has played softball for most of her life but also dabbles in other sports for the Mules. She’s a member of the Lady Mules basketball team and the track and field team, where she placed fourth in the MSHSAA Class 5 state track meet with a final distance of 39.09m in javelin throwing.

Poplar Bluff Lady Mules softball player Kennedy Zgaynor works on her hitting during batting practice.DAR/D�Courtland Christian

One would assume that Zgaynor has a favorite out of the three, but she simply loves them all.

As an all-around athlete, Zgaynor has gained a lot of trust from many coaches, and with Duncan, it’s no different.

“Kennedy is just a pure gamer and a competitor,” Duncan said. “She competes every possession and every time she’s at bat. She’s a tough kid, and her work ethic is great because she will give 100% in everything she does. As far as leadership, she leads by example. The way she carries herself on the field and at the plate is something all coaches want from a player.”

Duncan said Zgaynor is one of those players that, as a coach, you have to tell her good job all the time because she gets things done and has always been that way.

“She exemplifies everything a coach would like to have as a player on the field and a person,” he said. “She is fundamentally sound and has a great head on her shoulders, a great mindset, and a great attitude. I encourage student-athletes to look at her as an example of someone who can get things done on and off the field.”

Zgaynor said to know that her coaches look to her for leadership is a huge honor. She loves the team and believes the girls have worked hard this summer to prepare for the season. As time winds down to gameday, Zgaynor said she is focused on improving the team as a whole.

Kennedy Zgaynor prepares to tag out on second base during a matchup against North County last season.Staff Photo

“I’m personally pretty excited because It’s my senior year, but I want to be better,” she said. “Last season, we struggled a little bit just with team bonding, so this year, I want us to be together.”

As for any expectations for Zgaynor this season, Duncan said nothing she does will be a surprise to him because of her potential and her work ethic. He knows that she will be an example for the underclassmen on how to approach the game properly.

“I just want her to come out here and enjoy the season,” Duncan said. “I want her to have a great senior year and just create some memories. The statistics of the game will take care of themselves because she’s put in all the work and she’s put in all the time to be successful on the field."