Kennedy Sullivan was 9-0 last season with a 2.40 ERA in 70 innings at Western Kentucky but also hit .358 with 14 home runs and 49 RBI's. (Western Kentucky Athletics Photo)
Kennedy Sullivan hopes to show she can be an effective pitcher for Kentucky after transferring to Kentucky after three years at Western Kentucky. It might help that her new roommate is All-American catcher Kayla Kowalik.
“She has been awesome so far,” said Sullivan. “Obviously I kept up with Kentucky because they were always high on my list. She made a huge impact and was so much fun to watch last season.
“I know her batting average stayed above .500 almost every time I saw her. I am excited to get to know her and see her work ethic and what goes on with her training. Obviously, she was one of the best hitters in the country last year.”
Kowalik did lead the nation in totals hits and batting average was second in runs scored and led the Cats in home runs and stolen bases. She also was behind the plate for every Southeastern Conference game and if Sullivan is going to find a regular spot on the mound she’ll need to develop a bond with Kowalik.
“Definitely going to be building a connection living with her and that’s important. Some little things some people may not think about, but the pitcher and catcher control the game so you have to have a good connection, trust them and they have to know you like the back of their hand,” Sullivan, a former Scott County standout, said. “Hopefully we can get super close.”
Sullivan, a solid hitter herself who had the game-winning hit against UK last season, knows how remarkable Kowalik’s season was. But was she more impressed with her new teammate’s .495 batting average or 29 stolen bases?
“Both are incredible stats. I don’t know. I am excited to see her work ethic and just be at practice with her and see what it takes to be that kind of player,” Sullivan said.
