WHS alumni trio enjoying reunion at WC

While it wasn't in their original plans, three former Weatherford Lady Roos are now Coyotes at Weatherford College.

Sophomore catcher Olivia Cantu is in her second season with WC; pitcher/designated hitter Kaymie Chandler joined Cantu after spending her freshman season at Northwestern State in Natchitoches, Louisiana; and freshman infielder Kinley Kemp also reconnected with her friends this season.

"It means a lot to play with them again, coming in already bonded from playing together on varsity for Weatherford High School," Chandler said. "We all know each other very well and I'd say that helps a lot on the field."

Cantu said the opportunity to play with her two good friends at the college level once more has been surreal.

"It has been both nostalgic and incredibly special to share the field with them again," she said.

Kemp said the fact that she already had one close friend playing for the Coyotes and another on her way helped make her transition from high school smoother. She said it has helped create a stronger sense of teamwork, trust, and shared motivation, both on and off the field.

"It makes the experience more meaningful and enjoyable, especially as a freshman, and it turns the sport into a deeper connection beyond just the game," she said. "It also brings back memories as if I was playing in high school again with them."

Kemp recalled a special moment from her time at WHS. At the moment it seemed as if it was the last time they would share a field together.

"A very special memory was Kaymie's and Olivia's senior night two years ago. It was very upsetting because they were moving on to bigger and better things and they were not going to be there for me the next year to watch me play my senior year," Kemp said.

But WC coach Haylee Williams was watching. Having had previous success with local players, including Cantu and Chandler, who helped the team to a 33-15 record last season, she is familiar with the talent in the surrounding area - including Kemp.

"We always want to get the best talent in our area, and these three have been big additions to our program," Williams said. "They take a lot of pride in their hometown, and it means a lot to have them wear the WC on their chest.

"Having kids who are already proud to wear the uniform because they are from here goes a long way in getting their teammates to feel that same pride when they put on the black and gold, even if they aren't from this area, state or country."

All three said they chose WC for pretty much the same reasons, environment and community. It's close to home, close to Fort Worth and the program is renowned nationally for success year after year.

As of this article that was once again the case as the Coyotes were 25-9 overall and ranked No. 21 in the country.

"I chose Weatherford College because of its strong academic reputation and its ability to prepare me for my future career in nursing," Cantu said. "It also provided the opportunity to continue competing at a high level athletically."

Chandler and Kemp are both currently general studies majors, but both said they plan on majoring in kinesiology when they transfer to universities with shared goals of pursuing careers in physical therapy.  

Chandler and Kemp also want to play at the NCAA higher level, while Cantu plans to remain at WC and get a nursing degree.

In the meantime, they are enjoying this reunion.

"One of the most special parts of our friendship is getting to see each other every day again and bringing the culture we built at Weatherford High School with us to Weatherford College," Cantu said. "I am incredibly grateful and blessed to have the opportunity to play alongside such amazing teammates. I look forward to seeing them accomplish great things in the future."

Williams said Weatherford should be proud of these three young women. 

"They are great people, students and athletes," she said. "They will represent Weatherford well long after their softball careers are over."