On February 1, Kendra Butler signed her National Letter of Intent to continue her softball career as a Nittany Lion at Penn State University New Kensington.  

Butler began playing softball at a young age, making the switch from volleyball after being recommended to the sport by the father of a friend who happens to be a fellow Lancer.

“Emily Ausherman, her dad was a softball coach … he told me he thought that I would be a good player, so he had me come out, sign up,” said Butler. “He really believed in me, and from there that’s where I got started.”

Along with Penn State, Butler also considered Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania.

“PSU was my number one choice, but I was also considering Bloomsburg University, where all my family has gone,” said Butler. 

Despite the family ties, Butler ultimately decided upon Penn State New Kensington after meeting the coach and visiting campus.

“There was an overall good relationship with the players and one-to-one relationships with the teachers,” said Butler.

A hard worker both on the field and in the classroom, Butler will major in criminal justice and has plans to become an FBI analyst or an officer for the Department of Natural Resources.

Butler has enjoyed many successes throughout her softball career, most notably winning a Maryland 3A State Championship with the Lancers varsity team in Spring 2022. 

 Coach Andrea Poffenberger notes Butler’s focus, as well as her work ethic, as qualities that will help her succeed at Penn State New Kensington.

“Kendra is a quiet, reserved player, who focuses on the task at hand,” said Poffenberger. “She works very hard at the plate to make herself a productive hitter.”

Along with being a member of the Linganore softball program, Butler also plays travel ball for the Urbana Rippers. She credits her coach, Jeremy, as one of her biggest supporters throughout her recruiting process. 

“He recruited me,” said Kendra. “[He]wrote about me on my scouting report and how I would be there to work and show what I have.” 

After a stressful recruiting process, Butler is very relieved to be signed and is looking forward to her future as a Nittany Lion.

“I’ve always wanted to play softball in college … it’s just so stressful because I wanted to commit by my senior year and time went by so fast,” said Kendra.