Lady Cavs sign to RMC
Published 9:07 pm Tuesday, May 2, 2017
- Lakeland High School seniors and field hockey players Kaylene Thomas and Kendall Lewis signed on Tuesday to play for Randolph-Macon College. Lewis and Thomas have been playing together since middle school and will now enjoy their careers together in college.
Two Lady Cavs will be taking their talents to the college level together as each signed her National Letter of Intent Tuesday afternoon to attend and play field hockey for Randolph-Macon College.
Kaylene Thomas and Kendall Lewis have been playing together since they were in the sixth grade in the Suffolk Youth Athletic Association.
“I love that we have started playing together, and now we will finish our college careers together, too,” Thomas said.
“I think it’s so cool that we have been playing together for so long, now we have an opportunity to continue that,” Lewis said.
While the recruiting process for Lewis was a bit stressful, she enjoyed the visits she took to other schools. She wanted to make sure she found the right fit. When she went on her visit to Randolph-Macon, the girls on the team were so welcoming to Lewis, which made her feel like she was already a part of the team.
Family is important to Lewis, so it was vital that she stayed somewhat close to home. They also gave her good advice on her future.
“They let me know that my college choice is really important,” Lewis said. “As I’m entering adulthood, it’s important to take a little extra time to make a careful decision, especially on my future. I’ll be spending my next four years there.”
In her freshman season, Lewis wants to come in and contribute any way she can, but more importantly, she wants to make sure she excels in the classroom. She is not sure what she will be majoring in yet but is leaning toward the medical services field.
Throughout Thomas’ recruiting process, she kept an open mind. She went through her visits and has been committed to RMC since October. Back in October, she played in a fall clinic instructed by the RMC team. She envisioned herself playing there, and once she walked on the field, she knew it was right for her.
Her favorite part about RMC is its welcoming atmosphere. When she visited the campus, everyone was very friendly. It is also helpful that her long-time teammate will be by her side.
“It is comforting to know Kendall and I will start this new experience together,” Thomas said. “We will both hold each other accountable and motivate each other. I’m really excited about it.”
Thomas also wanted to stay close to family, which played a part in her decision. In her first year, she wants to try to earn a starting position. She also has a goal of obtaining a 3.8 grade point average. Thomas plans to major in pre-med.
RMC finished its field hockey season in October with a record of 3-14. Lewis was a first team All-Conference selection, while Thomas was a second team selection this year.