Athlete of the Week: Kennedy Guzak, West Orange Girls Club

West Orange Girls Club’s Kennedy Guzak joined softball two seasons ago, and in her first year on the 12U team, she has become a valuable part of the squad’s success. The lefty first baseman recorded a .600 batting average, .806 on base percentage, nine hits, 21 runs, 16 walks and 22 defensive put outs. 

“Kennedy (KDOG) is a phenomenal player who is always working hard, staying positive and cheering for her teammates,” coach Coy Byrd said. “She always keeps her head up. Even when we’ve been losing big, you can find her dancing to the opposing team’s walk up songs with the biggest smile on her face. She’s an absolute beast on the ball field, always going 100%, and we are extremely lucky to have her this season.”

Following the end of WOGC’s spring season Saturday, May 9, Guzak is looking forward to the All-Stars game Thursday, May 28, to Sunday, May 31, in DeBary.

What do you enjoy most about softball? 

What I enjoy most is hitting and playing first base. 

When did you start softball, and why did you join? 

I started softball fall of 2025, and I joined because my brother does baseball, and I wanted to try it myself because it looked fun. 

What is your best memory in softball?

My favorite memory is when I hit my first home run. 

What has softball taught you? 

Softball has taught me to persevere. Even when I make a mistake, I can use it to be better next time. 

How would you describe yourself as a teammate?

When I go to play softball, I try to work hard and be kind to my teammates. 

What advice would you give someone who just joined softball? 

My advice would be to not give yourself a hard time on your mistakes. Instead, use them to make yourself a better ball player. 

If you were a coach, what speech would you give the team?

If I was a coach, my speech would be to never give up in hard times, work hard and remember to have fun. 

What is your pre-game ritual?

My pre-game ritual is that me and my friends, Noelle and Charlie, always draw pink mustaches on our faces for good luck.  

If you could pick a different sport, what would it be? Why? 

If I were to pick a different sport, it would be cheerleading, because I played for a long time before I made the change to softball. 

Whom do you look up to the most?

One person I look up to the most would be my mom, because she is always there for me and always knows what to do even in hard times. 

What is something new you’d like to learn? 

Something new I would like to learn is pitching. 

Where would you want to live if you weren’t in Florida?

I would want to live in Italy or London if I weren’t in Florida because of the food and places. 

If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money? 

I would give half of it to charity, and the other half I would use to go to London and shopping sprees. 

What is your favorite birthday memory? 

My favorite birthday memory is when I was 9 years old and I went to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. 

What future career do you want to have? 

To be honest, I would want to become a lawyer when I grow up, mainly because I like yelling at people and fighting for something right. 

If you became famous, what would it be for? 

If I were to become famous, it might be for softball, or I could be a famous lawyer and then become president.

If you had to pick a spirit animal, which would you choose?

My spirit animal would be a cat, because I have two at home, and they, in my opinion, are the best pets.

What is your perfect day? 

My perfect day is waking up at 7 a.m. naturally and winning the softball Little League World Series. 

Why did you pick your jersey number? 

I chose 22 because my birthday is Feb. 22, and 22 has always been my lucky number.