Words by Brad Shellgren
In the biggest game of the year, on the biggest stage in the sport, Lexi Kilfoyl stepped into the pitcher’s circle at the College World Series and felt sentimental. Not exactly the normal emotion one would expect in a pressure-packed environment like this, but this moment was anything but normal. Afterall, the first batter of the game was a friend, a dear friend. They shared hallways and House Days, playing fields and play dates. They competed together in softball, basketball, and as Osprey. Lexi Kilfoyl and Kendra Falby’s relationship was far deeper than pitcher versus batter, Oklahoma State versus Florida. No, they had a special bond that was cultivated at Academy at the Lakes.
As Kendra dug into the batter’s box, Lexi fondly remembered her former teammate as “a constant ball of energy” and a teammate Lexi could “always count on.” Ironically, Lexi was hoping Kendra did not deliver for her Gator teammates on this night. But, the task would be tall. Kendra was no longer the little girl Lexi shared a playground with on the Lower Division; instead, she was now an All-SEC performer on one of the best teams in the nation. Lexi, too, had come a long way herself, being named one of three finalists for the College Player of the Year award. What a moment for two girls from Academy at the Lakes, a moment that was not lost on Lexi. “It’s crazy to think how small the world can be, knowing we both attended Academy at some point. Even though we were great friends before attending Academy together, to say we went to the same school growing up is such a rarity that you don’t see it often these days.”
When the raw emotions of the moment subsided, there was an actual game to be played and the stakes were high. The winner of this tournament would be crowned the national champion. Although this particular game would not decide the champion, a win would certainly go a long way to achieving that lofty goal. A loss, on the other hand, would be devastating. Game on!
The first encounter between the two friends went the way of Lexi, striking out Kendra to start the College World Series. “Facing Kendra for the very first at bat of my last year at the WCWS felt like a full circle moment,” Lexi said. The two would face each other two more times in the game, with Lexi getting Kendra to ground out twice. Lexi won the battle; Kendra won the war, as Florida beat Oklahoma State 1-0. Both teams would eventually bow out before reaching the championship series, but that would not overshadow the unique and special showdown between two friends and former Academy Wildcats. “To face her in the WCWS is something we will both remember forever.”
A full-circle moment that began at Academy at the Lakes. A place where Lexi and Kendra developed their friendship as well as their athletic skills and personal character. It’s a place where Lexi became the two-time Florida Softball Player of the Year and back-to-back state champion. It’s a place where Lexi became the person she is today. “Academy has been amazing at developing so many skills. Most of my growth had come from within the classroom, preparing me for the college atmosphere, while also developing me into a polite and professional woman. I look back on all my lessons, and I’m super grateful for all the lessons I have been taught.”