This school year is Kenley Barbour’s freshman year at THS. Barbour plays two highschool sports. She is a pitcher and a first baseman on the JV softball team, and she plays as a middle hitter on the JV volleyball team. Playing two high school sports is already physically challenging, but for Barbour it’s a little harder. She has a heart condition.

Barbour’s condition affects her during gameplay because her heart rate could get super high.  This can be scary. “I handle these issues by making sure I drink a liquid IV before games. Sometimes I have to sit out and catch my breath in order to go back to doing what I love,” Barbour explains. Although she has to make a few accommodations, she is always very positive throughout every game. Her favorite part of playing volleyball is learning to work together as a team and learning how to communicate with her teammates. Similarly, her favorite part of playing softball is learning the mechanics of the sport and using them to help her succeed.

Having a positive outlook on life with these conditions is not easy, but Barbour makes it look like a breeze. Barbour is a ray of sunshine on and off the court and field.  She always has a smile on her face, and she goes out of her way to be kind to everyone she encounters. However, there are times when she needs to be picked up as well. “When I need encouragement I tell myself that I need to keep pushing and that I got it,” Barbour said. She also remembers the Bible verse Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  

Another big source of encouragement for Barbour is the people going through the same things she is. “Even when they think they should give up, I show that they can always push through. If they give it to God, he will always make a way,” Barbour said, “I know that if I were feeling the same way they would push me to keep going as well.” 

Barbour looks to junior Colby Eastwood for inspiration. Eastwood is an athlete on the Lady Trojans varsity volleyball and softball team. “Her drive with her sports and everything she does is absolutely amazing,” Barbour elaborated. She is very similar to Eastwood in the way that she is driven to succeed in everything she does, and to keep pushing herself to be great.