HELENA, Mont. – The Frontier Conference, in partnership with the Montana Army National Guard, is proud to announce Kennedy Venner of Carroll College as the recipient of the Grit Award for softball.

This prestigious honor recognizes student-athletes who demonstrate extraordinary perseverance, integrity, and mental toughness both on and off the field.

Venner, a senior education major from Billings, Mont., was nominated by former head coach Shawna Juarez.  Juarez highlighted Venner's career as one defined by an "extraordinary ability to overcome adversity" while remaining deeply committed to her team, faith, and leadership responsibilities.

A Legacy of Resilience

Venner's collegiate career was marked by two significant physical challenges that required her to relearn how to walk.

• Freshman Year Injury: Following a serious injury, Venner underwent grueling rehabilitation to return to the pitcher's mound, refusing to let the setback define her limits.
• Junior Year Accident: Despite a second devastating injury resulting from a freak accident, Venner maintained an unwavering work ethic, attending classes and rehab sessions without complaint.

Excellence Under Pressure

Despite these hardships, Venner's performance remained elite. Juarez noted that Venner:

• Was named a 1st Team All-Conference pitcher in one of the most competitive conferences in NAIA softball.
• Maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA every semester at Carroll College.
• Served as both a team captain and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) President.

Leadership and Character
 
Juarez described Venner as an "All-American Human" and a "light" who helped foster a program culture of accountability, respect, and selflessness. "To date, she will go down as the best pitcher ever to play at Carroll, but also one of the most genuine leaders and people that I know," Juarez stated.

The Grit Award embodies the Montana Army National Guard values of resilience, service, discipline, and teamwork. Venner's story of rising above adversity to inspire others exemplifies the very spirit of this recognition.