What’s up world! Happy Friday and happy April! This episode is dedicated to my Grandmother, celebrating her birthday today! On our special episode 32, we have Collegiate Softball Juggernaut Kalita Dennis. Kalita and I became friends during our very first semester in College, both frequently visiting required athlete study hall. Hailing from Elk Grove California, Dennis is a far ways from home. She describes her upbringing as “sheltered” . An emerging outlet for Dennis became sports, playing Soccer, volleyball, Flag Football, basketball and ultimately softball growing up. For 15 years she’s been playing the sport she loves, which provided her opportunities across the country. Between travel softball and playing in big tournaments, Dennis had caught the eye of various Division 3 programs. She pursued schools that would push her and force her to leave her comfort zone. A visit in Kansas was perhaps too uncomfortable , but her future was an email away. 2 of her travel teammates had committed to Howard, and Dennis shot the coaching staff and email hoping to join them at the next level. Fortunately for her she received the offer and has said that going to Howard is “the best decision” that she has made. Unfortunately not long after the commitment, the 3 learned that the coaching staff was undergoing changes. The Fall Preseason was unusual for the team, with a rush to fill the coaching vacancy looming almost constantly. Despite the adversity, the team came together in many different ways and proved competitive in the MEAC. During her Freshman campaign, she batted a whopping .411 with 32 RBIs and 62 hits. She won a plethora of awards including Meac Rookie of the Year andTeam MVP. With 8 games remaining in her Freshman year onslaught, she was recognized nationally as one of the 2019 NFCA National Freshman of the Year Award finalists. Dennis was the only HBCU player on the list, and was listed alongside the very best in women’s softball. The team has taken a big leap in the past two years, loading the bullpen and developing players. Dennis came into the year with lofty expectations and respect from every pitcher in the conference. A rough start to the season was interrupted by Covid-19, which was a surreal experience for Dennis. The obvious immediate dissatisfaction of unfinished business was quickly subsided when reality set in. Dennis used the newfound time away from the game to pursue a second minor and becoming a brand ambassador for boardroom university. Roughly one year since her sophomore season ended abruptly, Dennis and the Bison secured a W. They are in the midst of the season, and are hoping to make a run at a championship. Just a few months before the season began, Dennis once again received national recognition. Below is the USA Softball Collegiate Top 50 Watch list, a massive honor for Dennis to be named. It’s safe to say that she has only begun to really leave her mark on Howard, and will be remembered far past whenever she stops swinging the bat. Thanks again to Kalita and shoutout Granny 💪🏾 Recorded 3. 31. 21 https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Softball/News/2021/January/27/USA-Softball-Collegiate-Player-of-the-Year-Top-50-Watch-List-Unveiled
