Athletes around Moore - - Kennedy Cauthen
Sometimes, when watching a sporting event, we forget what it takes to put on the event or how many people are involved. Every hand in the game or match plays a vital role. The sidelines at a High School football game have more than players. Everyone from ball boys, chain gain, band, cheerleaders, managers, coaches, refs, and, of course, trainers all play a part in the game. North Moore senior Kennedy Cauthen put her love for sports and medicine together while embracing the family culture of Mustang Football.
Kennedy grew up loving sports, especially football. “My dad is a huge Dallas Cowboys fan and a Carolina Tarheels fan. He is from Richmond County, which has a huge football culture. We grew up going to all kinds of football games,” said Kennedy.
During a conversation about life after college, Kennedy’s mom told her. “You love sports and you love the medical field. What about being an athletic trainer?” Kennedy is a three-year volleyball player at North Moore and already knew Justin Marley, the Mustang’s athletic trainer. After talking with Marley about his journey, Kennedy asked him if she could shadow him. “He told me that summer to come to football practice and I can see what he does. The next day, I showed up to football practice and well I never left,” said Kennedy. “I was at every practice and every game and I’ve loved it ever since.”
Marley said she has been helping during football for the past two years and this year she played volleyball at the same time. “Kennedy’s perseverance and tireless dedication toward her academics and extracurricular activities are unmatched. Kennedy is an exemplary student and will exceed in whichever professional career she chooses,” said Marley.
When an athlete goes down with an injury during any sporting event, the trainers and coaches have to work fast but also be cautious. The athlete needs removed from the field or the court as fast as possible, but without causing more injury. “I love the chaos, It is an adrenaline rush when you see someone limping off the football field and you have no clue what’s wrong with them,” said Kennedy. “You can’t yell and ask them what’s wrong and half of the time, they’re not really going to give you a straight answer they’re just going to say it doesn’t feel good so you have to piece it together and figure it out.”
The Mustangs have made deep runs into the playoffs the past few years and there is true family culture built at North Moore. Being a part of that team, that family is Kennedy’s greatest memories. “My greatest memories aren’t even for me. It’s watching the boys be excited. We had so many moments this year, especially when someone would do something and the excitement the boys have for each other literally just makes me so happy to see them and how excited they get for each other because it’s truly a family,” said Kennedy.
Kennedy has also worked on the sidelines with soccer and basketball and plans to work with baseball and softball this spring.
Kennedy plans to attend Appalachian State next year to earn her degree in Exercise Science and then hopes to attend UNC for medical school to get a degree in Sports Medicine.
In sports, you see a lot of athletes have that one coach that they are thankful for, that one person who inspires and pushes them to be better and something to look forward to. In Kennedy’s case, it was the school’s athletic trainer who inspired her, who gave her a dream and a goal. “Justin Marley is probably one of my biggest inspirations in my entire life. And he probably does not know that. I truly can never thank him enough for everything he has done for me over the past four years. Getting to spend as much time as I have the last two years has been amazing, not just seeing what he does but the way he interacts with the athletes here. It has really showed me what I want to be when I grow up,” said Kennedy. “I am also thankful for the football coaches and letting me be a part of that family, because it truly is. The football team here has a family dynamic that no one will truly understand unless you’re a part of it.”
Kennedy is also a member of Random Acts of Kindness, Secretary of the BETA Club, Vice President of Interact Club, and the President of the HOSA (Future Health Professionals of America) Club.
Kennedy was nominated for an article in Athletes around Moore series by her mom.
Written by Curtis Self
If you know someone that is anyway a part of athletics in High School or higher in Moore County and feel they have a story to share, we want to hear from you! Send us an email at mooredailysports@gmail.com
Carolina Grizzlies Baseball sponsored this article. The 11u and 12u travel teams are holding tryouts Saturday, February 10. For more information, contact Todd Cauthen at 910-995-1801 or by email at CarolinaGrizzliesBaseball@gmail.com
Carolina Grizzlies Baseball sponsored this article. The 11u and 12u travel teams are holding tryouts Saturday, February 10. For more information, contact Todd Cauthen at 910-995-1801 or by email at CarolinaGrizzliesBaseball@gmail.com
Also Sponsored by UnityFest, Moore County’s largest music festival. For more information and to grab your free tickets visit www.unityfestusa.com
Also Sponsored by UnityFest, Moore County’s largest music festival. For more information and to grab your free tickets visit www.unityfestusa.com
