Junior softball player Kensley Barnes from Davis was competitive before she probably even knew what the word meant.

“When I was little, I played in the infield, but I got bored because there wasn’t much action, so I became the catcher and I’ve been doing it ever since,” said Kensley.

A little later that competitive streak appeared again.

“We were playing little league ball but my mom and sister Alexis and I decided we wanted more and so we tried out for a tournament team. My sister made the team, but I didn’t. But I went to their practices and put in the work and shortly thereafter I ended up getting a spot on the team and eventually became a starter. I still play competitive ball with the Oklahoma Renegades out of Lexington. I just like the competitiveness of it and the people.”

There’s that word competitive again. It even shows up a little when she talks about her other sports activities.

“I play basketball and can play about any position, and I run track. I’m on several of the relays and also run the 300-meter hurdles which I really like because it’s an individual event where you can work to improve yourself and I’m pretty good at it,” said Kensley who is also a member of the Business Professionals of America chapter at Davis.

Competitive is even one of the words Kensley uses to describe herself.

“Hopeful, kind, and competitive,” she said after some thought.

Since there aren’t many seniors on the Davis fast pitch team, Kensley is one of the leaders of the team and tries to make sure everyone is one the same page.

“I try to make sure everyone knows what they’re doing and working hard in both sports and academics. I try to do that by not being bossy or rude but by saying things in the nicest way possible.”

Kensley was the winner of the VYPE Ada-area softball poll and says she’s grateful to everyone who supported her.

“It means a lot for me to win this. I feel well respected and that a lot of people really care for me.”