Senior Spotlight: Kenzii Kittell
Katie Callahan
4/27/2020
For many college student-athletes, it is difficult finding the balance of priorities, while remaining successful.
Senior goalkeeper Kenzii Kittell made that challenge look easy.
Her priorities were clear from the jump:
- Be the best family member she could be
- Be the best student she could be
- Be the best teammate she could be
During her time in the Orange & Blue, she achieved all those and more.
Family is at the top of Kenzii’s list of priorities and, for her, family takes on many forms.
Form 1: Having her twin sister Madisyn right by her side for the past four years
Kenzii and Madisyn may be polar opposites – both in appearance and personality – yet, they create the perfect balance and support system for one another.
“We have gone through a lot together over the last four years and we can truly say that having each other there during the hard times helps so much,” said Kenzii.
Critiques from the other were rarely, if ever, seen negatively. Both Kenzii and Madisyn knew they could be the most honest with one another, in turn improving both their games.
“We are both super competitive, so it made the game that much more fun. We could strengthen our weaknesses by utilizing one another,” said Kenzii.
They played the game with the other for so long that becoming Gators together seemed like a no-brainer.
“Madisyn and I have been so blessed to have been able to spend these four years together, both in the classroom and on the lacrosse field.”Kenzii Kittell
Form 2: Having her parents travel to almost every single game in her career
The mileage between the Syracuse Hancock International Airport and the Gainesville Regional Airport is 1,145.7 miles.
That mileage was no feat for Kittell’s parents – David and Christine – who made the trip from Syracuse, N.Y. to Gainesville, Fla. almost every weekend during each spring of their daughters’ careers.
During the span of four years, the two missed just a handful of Kenzii and Madisyn’s games – a midweek game, here or there – but every Saturday, you could find them at the Diz.
“They would always leave on Friday afternoons, right after their workday, and arrive in Gainesville at midnight,” explained Kenzii. “They would then see a game on Saturday and then turn right back around on Sunday and land in Syracuse, N.Y. at midnight, and then have to get up at 6 a.m. the next day to work.”
Their commitment to making family the No. 1 priority is one of the things Kenzii will remember most about her time at Florida.
“They are a large reason as to why my years as a student-athlete at UF were so special. It gets difficult being a student-athlete, attempting to balance school and lacrosse, but their support allowed me to push through the struggles and realize how lucky I am to have this opportunity.”Kenzii Kittell
Form 3: Creating a bond with her teammates until they became like sisters
When asked about what Florida Lacrosse meant to her, she answered with one word: family.
Her teammates were always there to offer support, both physically and mentally. Whether it be helping one another get the last rep to pass the run test or assisting another in finding the balance between school and lacrosse.
No matter what, they were there for her and she was there for them.
“Family is always there for you, loves you for who you are and who you are meant to be, and most importantly, family is forever."Kenzii Kittell
From a young age, Kenzii always aspired to be a veterinarian. Yet, she knew how difficult it would be to get in to a veterinary medical school, given the fact that it is one of the most difficult programs to get accepted to nationwide.
So, she set her sights.
“I knew that although I was an athlete, I had to make school another one of my top priorities in order to make this dream of mine come true. I had to be the most competitive version of a student that I could be.”Kenzii Kittell
No one saw her hard work and effort more than her teammates, especially juniors Kassidy Bresnahan and Eddy Shoop.
“When she sets a goal for herself, she makes sure to meet it,” said Bresnahan. “I’ve seen her studying for veterinary school until 2 a.m. and then turn around for a 6 a.m. lift and she never once complained. When she wants something, she’s going to make it happen.”
Kenzii’s determination did not just shape the path of her future, but helped shape all of those around her as well.
“She is the perfect example of someone with their priorities in all of the right places,” said Shoop. “She has this unexplainable ability to work so hard – in both school and lacrosse – and still somehow make me laugh every single time I see her.”
Her hard work paid off as the Syracuse, N.Y. native was accepted into two veterinary medical schools – ultimately choosing to spend the next four years at Auburn University.
“The hours of tutoring sessions that I have attended, along with the late nights studying that led into early morning lifts were extremely challenging, but I would never have traded them for the world because now I get to fulfill the next step of my life,” said Kenzii.
Once receiving her degree from Auburn, she plans on practicing mixed animal medicine where she will be able to work with small animals, such as cats and dogs, as well as large animals, such as cows and horses.
“Although I might not be [in Gainesville] for the next four years, I will be able to bring the Gator standard along with me to the next journey of my life, which without a doubt, will allow me to be successful.”Kenzii Kittell
Kenzii’s mission to become the best teammate she could be started during her freshman season.
Like any incoming freshman, at times she would feel lost – both in the classroom and on the lacrosse field. Yet, she always felt like she could reach out to the upperclassmen for advice on the navigate these new waters.
In turn, she realized that during her senior season, it was her responsibility to be that lifeline for the younger players.
“I promised myself that when I became a senior, I was going to be that upperclassman to turn to if anyone needed advice or just to talk,” said Kenzii.
She’s taken on that role and run with it – earning the respect and adoration of her teammates.
“Having someone you can lean on and who can make you laugh at any moment is so important and that’s exactly who Kenzii is,” said Bresnahan.
“She’s an incredible friend and person overall. I don’t know where she gets all her positivity from, but it’s so admirable,” said Shoop.
Though her senior season was cut short, Kenzii has solace in knowing that even though she may be leaving Gainesville, the bonds she created with her teammates will last a lifetime.
“Being a Gator was the best decision I have ever made. I have grown as a person because of this University and this program. I’ve gained some of the best friends and teammates a girl could ask for. The past four years have brought victories and defeats, but I believe that is what being a Gator is all about – conquering the adversity to achieve success.”Kenzii Kittell
