CLEMSON — The Clemson Insider sat down with Clemson freshman Kennedy Ariail of the softball team recently.

The Tigers’ 2024 campaign begins on Feb. 8 in Clearwater, Fla. at the NFCA Leadoff Classic. Clemson’s first 11 games will be on the road with the Tigers returning for their home opener on Friday, Feb. 23 at 4 p.m. against Ole Miss to kick off the Clemson Classic.

Here is an inside look at who Ariail is and her thoughts about playing for Clemson.

Where are you from? “I’m from Cumming, Georgia.”

Tell us something about yourself. “I started playing softball when I was four years old, my dad grew up playing baseball and he played in college at Georgia and Columbus state. His first kid, being a girl, he was a little disappointed. He wanted a boy to play baseball, but then I turned into his boy, and he started me in softball really young and now we’re best friends.”

Tell us something about you that your teammates do not know. “I actually love to cook and they probably don’t know that because we’re always out getting food together, but me and my roommates recently got a crockpot so we’re really into cooking right now.”

What do you like about Clemson? “I love the campus. Everything is so close you can walk or scooter. I really feel like the people make the place, so my roommates and my teammates they just make it really special.”

Other than softball, what is your favorite sport to watch? “Probably rowing because my roommates do that.”

Who is your favorite professional team?  “I would have to say the Miami Dolphins because Alix Earle’s boyfriend Braxton plays for them.”

Who is your favorite athlete?  “Travis Kelce (of the Kanas City Chiefs).”

What is your goal for this season? “To learn from all my teammates and just get better each and every day with my team.”

–photo courtesy of Clemson Athletics Communications