Posted on Friday, January 31, 2025
Whether on the softball field or at a service opportunity, senior softball player Kenzie Hornsby ’25 lives by the golden rule of treating others the way you ought to be treated.
When planning where to go to college, Hornsby was focused on going somewhere specifically for softball. Once she came to LC, she felt that everything just fell into place.
“I chose LC because it felt like home,” she said. “I'll never be able to fully explain the overwhelming sense of peace and joy I felt when I set foot on the Hill, but it was then that I knew that there was no way I was going to spend the next four years anywhere else.”
Originally a Biology major, Hornsby chose to make the transition to Psychological Science after taking an introductory class her freshman year.
“At first, I had the intention of becoming a pediatrician,” she said. “However, after taking an Introduction to Psychology course, I knew that I wanted to pursue something in pediatric psychology instead and ended up changing my major to Psychological Science and later adding a double major in Sociology.”
During her time on the Hill, Hornsby has been actively involved with LC Miracle (Executive Director), Campus Circles (President), Servant Scholars, Phi Mu, SMILE LC, LC PRIDE and Psi Chi Honors Society (Vice President).
Hornsby said she loves spreading joy across the community through projects she engages in with Servant Scholars
and her other student organizations.
One of the events she takes great pride in is LC Miracle’s annual Dance Marathon, which raises funds for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.
“I love interacting with the kids,” she said. “They are an inspiration to me.”
Hornsby serves not only as a campus leader, but also as a member of the Softball team.
Head Coach Mel Rushing describes her as a hard worker who is devoted to her team.
“She works hard, is a great leader, and will do anything she can to help her teammates,” she said. “She's our ray of sunshine, always bringing her best for the benefit of the whole.”
Hornsby said she is grateful for the mentors she has gained at LC.
“My first mentor and ETHOS advisor, former Musical Theatre Assistant Professor Tim Fitz-Gerald, taught me what it means to pay attention to your priorities, believe in yourself and empower others,” she said. “Some of my other mentors include Coach Mel Rushing, former Mathematics Professor Dr. Jon Ernstberger, Psychological Science Associate Professor Dr. Karen Walker, Psychological Science Assistant Professor Dr. Marci DeRamus, and Sociology Assistant Professor Dr. Lacey Moore. Each of these wonderful people have shown me how to be patient, how to be professional and how to be a leader.”
After graduation, Hornsby hopes to one day become a child life specialist at a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.
She said LC helped teach her what it means to have a service-first mindset.
“I learned that service means focusing your attention on the needs of others, giving the shirt off your back and helping others when they need it most,” she said.
Empowering Through Service: Understanding and Practicing Servant Leadership
Monday, Feb. 3
7 p.m., Bailey Room
Healthy Relationships
Tuesday, Feb. 4
11:15 a.m., Bailey Room
National Girls and Women in Sports Day
Tuesday, Feb. 4
5 p.m., Mariotti Gym
3-Stacy Ortiz, Communications and Marketing
4-Jeff Lukken, Social Sciences and Servant Scholars
6-Carla Esposito, Admissions (Financial Aid)
7-Crystal Miley, Business Office
11-Jamie Coen, Lewis Library
17-Steve Pardue, Athletics
21-Steven Kenner, PACE
21-Don Livingston, Education
24-Ashley Jenkins, Enrollment Management and Student Experience (Chaplain’s Office)
25-Ellie Boykin, Fine and Performing Arts (Theatre Arts)
Men's Basketball
LC took a 79-97 loss against Huntingdon on Saturday, Jan. 25. On Wednesday, the team put forth one of its best efforts of the season, taking the CCS' top team Belhaven to the limit, falling by three points in the last seconds with a final score of 58-61. They will have the chance to bounce back next week when they take on Pensacola Christian on Tuesday, Feb. 4 in Mariotti Gym.
Women's Basketball
The Panthers fell 71-75 against Huntingdon on Saturday, Jan. 25. On Wednesday, the team suffered a tough loss to Belhaven as the Blazers jumped in front in the final minute to steal the game 80-72. LC will look to right the ship on Tuesday, Feb. 4, when Wesleyan comes to Mariotti Gym. Head Coach Destiny Lane-Frazier will be seeking her 10th win as a Panther as well.
Softball
LC returns to the diamond on Tuesday, Feb. 4, as the team travels to Point for an exhibition matchup before opening their season next weekend at Berry.
Baseball
The Panthers will make their return for spring action as they head to Shreveport, Louisiana, to compete in the Centenary Tournament, featuring ranked teams such as #24 Rhodes College, who will play the Panthers in game one of the regular season.
Lacrosse
LC prepares for the season in a few weeks as they take on a team of alumni in an exhibition game on Saturday, Feb. 8.
Beach Volleyball
The Panthers will kickstart their season on Friday Feb. 7, as they travel to Cleveland, Georgia to compete in the Truett McConnell Tournament.
(Please note that schedules may change due to circumstances beyond our control. Please check www.lagrangepanthers.com to confirm.)
Tuesday, Feb. 4 – Softball at Point (Exhibition), 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., West Point, Georgia
Tuesday, Feb. 4 – Women’s Basketball vs. Wesleyan (Home), 5:30 p.m., Mariotti Gym
Tuesday, Feb. 4 – Men’s Basketball vs. Pensacola Christian (Home), 7 p.m., Mariotti Gym
LaGrange College Theatre Professor to kick off 3D Journeys series, LaGrange Daily News, Jan. 25
Category: Students, Service
Keywords: Athletics, Education
