Wadena-Deer Creek senior Kennedy Gravelle participated in volleyball, basketball and track and field for the Wolverines and plans to continue playing volleyball when she attends Norther State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota in the fall. Kennedy plans to major in Biology. Biology, Human Anatomy and Algebra were her favorite high school subjects.
Gravelle shared her top sports memories with us, “Making it to state in both volleyball and track are at the top of my list. Those experiences were once in a lifetime and not many high school athletes can say they’ve competed at state, so I’m lucky to say I did.”
Wadena-Deer Creek Track and Field Coach Marc Reynolds commented, “Kennedy has been the epitome of a student/athlete during her time at WDC. She’s always been a 3-sport athlete, highly academically motivated, involved in NHS, choir and FCA. She has been a staple of our track team since 7th grade. She’s always been willing to try new things and do extra events to help the team. She’s a two time captain and great role model for our younger athletes. Kennedy was a state qualifier in the 3200 meter run in 2018 and missed qualifying for discus in 2019 by one place. She has a competitive edge that can’t be taught. She’s rises up to the competition when it matters most and had her best performances at the section finals and state track meets. We’ll miss her in all aspects of student life at WDC next year, but we’re excited to follow her career at NSU!”
“Being in sports has impacted my life in so many ways,” noted Gravelle. “It has given me so many friendships that I would have never had without sports. I have also learned many life lessons through my coaches and teammates. Sports are more than just winning and losing. It’s about how you react and come back stronger from challenges, and stay humble and hungry after successes. Leadership is another quality that sports have allowed me to develop, and that will help me out so much in my future.”
On the basketball court Gravelle averaged 14.7 points per game, 5.15 rebounds per game and was second in the conference in 3-point shooting, hitting 37.4% of her shots from beyond the arc. She finished her career with 1,419 points and was an All-Conference selection and was also an All-State Academic team member.
“Kennedy is one of those all-around student athletes that we will have a hard time replacing,” exclaimed Wadena-Deer Creek Head Girls’ Basketball Coach Jordan Cresap. “She was towards the top of the conference in multiple statistical categories. She became a force to be reckoned with because of her ability to do it all; shoot from outside, be a threat inside, defense, and passing. Her effectiveness on the court is impressive in itself, but it's the intangibles that really set her apart from the rest. She is an exceptional leader on the court, in the classroom, and in the community. She was one of our best players, but she still had a great desire to improve, which sets such a great example for the underclassmen in our program. She did whatever was best for the team. Her unselfishness and leadership is one of a kind, and will be greatly missed. Without a doubt she will be successful in her future endeavors because of the high character person she is.”
As for dealing with no spring sports Gravelle says, “I have been as active as ever during this time! My sisters and I have found out that staying busy is the best way to get through this strange time. We have been busy doing workouts, being out in the sunshine, and getting our homework done. I was training for track when there was still hope for a season, but now that it’s cancelled I am just doing the workouts to stay in shape. I also do lifting type workouts and volleyball drills to try and stay in tune for that as well.”
WDC Volleyball Coach Sue Volkmann shared these thoughts on Gravelle, “Kennedy is an outstanding student athlete. She was our volleyball team captain for 2 years and was a great team leader and vocally led us on the court. Kennedy was an exceptional volleyball player and her positive leadership and encouragement on the court made her teammates better.
Kennedy worked hard to become a 6 rotation player and without a doubt we were a better team when Kennedy was on the floor at all times. Kennedy has a great future ahead of her athletically and academically.”
Kennedy has this advice for underclassmen, “Never take anything for granted. I know it’s a cliché’, but it’s so true. Everyone in the class of 2020 has found that out. Give every game or meet your full effort because you don’t ever want to regret not trying. And finally, just to have fun! High school sports have brought me some of my most memorable moments of high school, so enjoy it with your friends. There’s nothing better than the time you get to spend with your teammates.”
