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“Stud,” “Clutch,” “Beast,” “Gamechanger.”
All words frequently used to describe rising sophomore phenom, Kenleigh Cahalan. The 5-foot-8 middle infielder from Birmingham, Alabama native is an integral member of the Birmingham Thunderbolts 03 team, coached by Lowell Barron and, recently, Kenleigh laced up her cleats to help the Birmingham Thunderbolts 18U Premier team, coached by Rocky Thompson, win the Atlanta Legacy championship.
Displaying versatility and a maturity well beyond her age, Kenleigh started every game at third base for the 18U Bolt’s team and was on fire at the plate during the semi-final against Georgia Impact Premier-Lewis 18U, going 3-for-3 with a single, a double and a home run.
Aside from her club team, Kenleigh is also a highly decorated player for Hewitt-Trussville High in Trussville, Alabama, the Class 7A reigning softball state champions.
As a high school freshman during the 2019-2020 campaign, Kenleigh was leading the preseason #1 state-ranked prep team, ranked as high as #7 in some national polls, in batting average at .523 with 20 RBIs and six home runs in only 14 games before the season was abruptly ended due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Following the 2019-2020 shortened season, Kenleigh earned multiple awards as selected by the Alabama Sports Writer’s Association including Birmingham All- Metro, All-Metro Terrific 20 and as an All-State Terrific 20 in Class 7A.
This all as a freshman playing only 14 games!
During the 2018-19 softball state championship series, the 8th grade varsity starter consistently proved to be clutch at the plate. Kenleigh was named to the All-State Tournament Team, giving her the distinction of being the youngest player to earn the award in Alabama Class 7A postseason softball.
During the state championship series, Kenleigh boasted an impressive .542 batting average with 15 RBIs, five doubles and two homeruns. She was selected by the Alabama Sports Writers Association as an All-State Honorable Mention selection following her impressive 8th grade season.
The multisport standout also plays basketball, helping her Hewitt-Trussville High varsity hoops team to a runner-up finish during the state championship series in the 2018-2019 season.
Highly decorated Bolt’s assistant coach Joey Hiller, who serves as both head softball and head baseball coach at perennial powerhouse Tattnall Square Academy (GA) says of the 2023 standout, “Kenleigh is a fantastic player. She is aggressive both defensively and offensively, and she has a nice understanding of the game for someone her age.”
“Kenleigh is most impressive at the plate where she shows the ability to deliver the barrel appropriately to all fields with power against all levels of pitching. She is an absolute pleasure to coach.”
When describing Kenleigh, Head Coach Keith Dorsett of the defending 2019 PGF Premier 16U National Championship Birmingham Thunderbolts draws comparisons to another Alabama native, former collegiate four-time All-American for the University of Alabama softball team and current member of Team USA, Haylie McCleney.
According to Dorsett, “I watched both kids (Cahalan and McCleney) at a young age and Kenleigh reminds me so much of Haylie McCleney hitting.”
Big shoes to fill? Absolutely!
However, all of her coaches agree, Kenleigh is up for whatever challenge may be thrown her way. The countless hours she spends on the field, working to continuously improve her game makes it clear to everyone who watches her that Kenleigh is a special talent.
Once she steps on the field or in the box, she is a fierce competitor displaying focus and maturity beyond her years and consistently delivers at the highest levels. The better the pitching she faces and the bigger the moment, the more the young star steps up and repeatedly produces.
Coach Barron adds: “Kenleigh is a true 5-tool player with incredible potential. Anyone who knows her abilities and work ethic realizes what a special player she truly is and will be at any level.”
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*** Scroll down read more about Kenleigh including what other sport she did for four years at a high level and also what was her most memorable softball experience…