The 2028 Line Drive Softball HOT 100 player rankings begin Monday and, in what is shaping up to be a deep and talented class, Kennedy “K.C.” Cuthbert is making her presence known.

But it’s not just on the softball fields.

Sure, the talented third baseman is putting up big numbers both in the high school and club spaces.

For example, she led her Pike Road (Ala.) High varsity team last year to the Alabama 6A Area 3, Softball Championship title by smacking 14 home runs – second best in the Alabama 6A division – and led her team both in batting average and on-base percentage.… as a 7^th grader.

And, not coincidentally, she was voted by the public as the choice for the 2024 Preseason High School Softball Player of the Year and earned All-Tournament honors at the Dothan Diamond Classic last month… as an 8^th grader.

But the power-hitting Class of 2028 star doesn’t limit her accomplishments to just softball.

Kennedy is an Honor Roll student and holds a 4.13 weighted GPA, which includes honor classes, and she was previously named a Duke TIP Scholar for making above the 95th percentile on a state standardized test.

In the community, KC has also been a star, previously serving as a Legislative Page for the Alabama House of Representatives and volunteering with her Pike Road High softball varsity team at the Woodland Food Pantry.

Could a future in politics be in her future? Or helping others less fortunate in her community?

Her father, William Cuthbert, explains KC’s involvement in both.

“Kennedy was provided the opportunity to work on the floor of the House in the midst of legislative actions,” he begins. “She assisted the Members of the House, and certain staff members, by performing errands on the floor of the House of Representatives and during committee meetings. Kennedy also recited the Pledge of Allegiance before the House convened.”

“Kennedy’s Pike Road varsity (softball) team volunteered at the Woodland Food Pantry, which services individuals in the community with food insecurities every third Saturday of the month. The team helped individuals pack and carry their grocery items. They also helped the church organize the food pantry.”

It’s possible that, down the road, the talented student-athlete could have a political and/or service career, but for now it’s certainly in softball where her list of accomplishments is as long as some of her mammoth dingers.

The talented athlete has had impressive long ball power since she’s been playing the game and, for the last two years, has helped lead her Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2027 team, coached Frederick Alford and Rocky Thompson, to the PGF Nationals finale.

Coach Alford says her defensive skills aren’t lacking either.

“KC has played up on our 2027 team for years now,” he states, “locking down the corners with her excellent footwork and hands.”

Still, it’s her hitting that has garnered major respect from everyone who saw the underclassman bat smash 15 home runs last summer and hit four more in the fall.

The athlete’s skills have also been recognized by top organization in fastpitch, including the organizers of the prestigious USSSA Select 30 where Kennedy made the final cut.

Not surprising, top DI programs – particularly in the South – are already following her closely and it’s pretty likely KC will shine at the collegiate level as did her father, a four-year starting offensive lineman for the Alabama Crimson Tide.

For her part, the young infielder knows expectations are already sky-high for her but enjoys rising to the challenge.

“I maintain a standard of excellence, hard work, and commitment to the sport of softball,” she explains. “I have consistently ‘played up’ and excelled against older competition my entire softball career.”

“I’m proud to be making an impact and a contribution to the sport of softball in the Class of 2028,” Kennedy concludes.

— Brentt Eads/Line Drive Softball