Kendall Pearson does a little bit of everything for Lincoln-Way Central.
The Roosevelt-bound senior hits a ton, can draw a walk and even lays down a bunt in key situations for the Knights. That, and she also plays a rock-solid center field.
Now, consider she’s just as versatile when it comes to music. She plays the violin, bass, piano and guitar, the latter of which she performs with the school’s electric guitar ensemble.
“I love them both,” Pearson said with a smile when asked which she enjoys most, softball or music. “I can’t pick.”
Pearson was in perfect tune Tuesday afternoon for Lincoln-Way Central in a 7-1 victory over crosstown rival Lincoln-Way East in a SouthWest Suburban Conference crossover.
The left-handed Pearson entered the game hitting .542, and she maintained that pace by walking, doubling, laying down an expert sacrifice bunt and scoring twice for the Knights (8-2, 2-0).
According to Lincoln-Way Central coach Jeff Tarala, there’s one word that describes Pearson.
“She’s underrated,” he said. “Kendall plays an unbelievable center field, she’s one of our best outfielders and she’s good at the plate.
“I think she’s a really good straight-up hitter. She can slap. She’s quick. She can steal bases. A lot of people would love to have her.”
Lincoln-Way Central’s Bella Dimitrijevic delivers a pitch against Lincoln-Way East during a SouthWest Suburban Conference crossover game in Frankfort on Monday, April 8, 2024. (James C. Svehla / Daily Southtown)
Pearson wasn’t the only one making music Tuesday, however.
Junior pitcher Bella Dimitrijevic put in strong work in the circle, giving up just three hits and striking out 12. At the plate, Dimitrijevic singled, doubled, scored once and drove in a run.
Sophomore center fielder Mackenzie Bacha had a pair of singles for Lincoln-Way East (9-2, 2-1), while fellow sophomore first baseman Anie Balta reached on an error and scored.
Like a lot of kids, Pearson started her softball career in recreational programs. At age 11, she started in travel. But one day, in fifth grade, she was introduced to the world of music.
And she was hooked.
“When they came to school to show the instruments, I wanted to be in band, but my mom was like, ‘No, your sister was in orchestra, so you’re going to do it, too,’” she said. “I’ve been playing ever since.”
Lincoln-Way Central’s Alexis Younger, left, and Kendall Pearson collide trying to make a catch against Lincoln-Way East during a SouthWest Suburban Conference crossover game in Frankfort on Monday, April 8, 2024. (James C. Svehla / Daily Southtown)
There aren’t a lot of parallels between softball and music, which makes Pearson’s ability to do both with proficiency that much more impressive. She’ll carry that over next year to Roosevelt.
She plans to be a music major and wants to ultimately teach in high school. But she’s going to get the opportunity to play softball, too.
She’s already teaching, to a certain degree. Just ask senior catcher Lucy Cameron, who found herself in the outfield earlier this season.
“We had the WJOL Tournament and I was playing right field,” Cameron recalled. “She was talking to me, ‘This is why you move in this position.’
“She was good leading me to do that, along with everybody else on the team.”
Lincoln-Way Central’s Kendall Pearson makes her way home against Lincoln-Way East during a SouthWest Suburban Conference crossover game in Frankfort on Monday, April 8, 2024. (James C. Svehla / Daily Southtown)
What’s more, Cameron has always been impressed with how Pearson balances her love of both softball and music.
“She comes from orchestra practices after school,” Cameron said. “She has very little time to get changed and going, and then she’s putting in all her effort at our practices.
“It’s very impressive and I look up to how much she does outside of softball.”
Tarala said he and his coaching staff have encouraged Pearson to take on more of a leadership role. She has done that by virtue of her ability to direct traffic as a center fielder.
Which if you think about it, isn’t that much different than a musical conductor.
“If it’s a lefty or slapper, I’ll move people over and let them know that’s why we’re moving over,” she said.
Gregg Voss is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
