Softball 4/1/2021 12:00:00 AM

Softball's Whitney Kiihnl: Where Are They Now?

Whitney Kiihnl Hickmon left Lipscomb University as one of the most honored athletes in the history of the program – ASUN Scholar-Athlete of the Year (2012), James R. Byers Award (2012), unanimous selection as ASUN Pitcher of the Year (2010), ASUN Player of the Year (2010), ASUN Freshman of the Year (2009), All-ASUN Teams all four years, ASUN All-Freshman Team (2009), COSIDA All-Academic First Team District 3 (2012), NFCA All-American third team (2010), NFCA All-Southeast Region First Team (2010) and a three-time ASUN All-Academic Team selection. Her earned run average of 0.98 in 2010 was the lowest in the nation. She struck out more than 1,000 batters in her career. Whitney spent some time this week recalling her storied career.

What years did you compete for Lipscomb, and who coached you?

I played from the fall of 2008 through the spring of 2012.

Kristin Ryman was my head coach. Lexi Myers Shrout was the pitching coach.

What teammates were most memorable?

That is a hard question. It is hard to narrow it down.I don't want to leave anyone out.

Kellie Sirus, Lauren Dortwegt, Christen Campbell and Megan Rottler. They are the ones I keep up the most with now.

There were also the people in my class - Mollie Mitchell, Caroline Mason and Vanessa Medina. They are memorable as well.

I just loved all of my teammates.I feel like they were all special to me.

What degrees have you earned?

I have a bachelor's degree in biology from Lipscomb (2012). I have a master's degree in physician assistants' studies from Harding University (2014).

Why did you attend Lipscomb?

I wanted to go to a Christian school. I wanted to play softball there because of the environment there. I was able to go to a Christian school and still be able to play softball at a high level.

My recruiting trip was the first time I visited Lipscomb. I looked at it online. Christen Campbell and I were from the same area and played travel ball.I found out a little bit about the school from her.

What is your favorite athletic memory at Lipscomb?

I guess my favorite would be going to the NCAA Regionals at the University of Alabama in 2010. You felt like you were on a big stage. It was a lot of fun.

There are so many off field memories that I can't remember all of them. Just being with your teammates and having fun with them was great.

Who influenced your athletic career at Lipscomb?

Coach Ryman and Coach Shrout. They always believed in me. They always coached me to do my best.

I was a little bit hardheaded. I was kind of stubborn at times. They always had confidence in me on the field even when I didn't have confidencein myself.

My teammates also had a lot of influence. I have to give a shout out to the athletic trainers and everybody behind the scenes in athletics.

What do you remember about Lipscomb campus life during your time here?

I felt like Lipscomb in general focused on students being servants. They focused on opportunities to serve others and giving back to the community. I appreciate that now more than I did then.

What are the most valuable lessons you learned in your time at Lipscomb?

I knew what my parents had taught me. But part of going to college is being on your own. You kind of test your faith. I learned to grow in my faith at Lipscomb.

I was in a good environment. I was surrounded by people who wanted the best for me.

Who were your favorite professors and why?

The ones that stick out are Dr. Kent Gallaher, Dr. Jon Lowrance and Dr. Jim Arnett. Really the whole biology department was awesome. They would support me at our games. That meant a lot. They were busy and they had families they could have gone home to be with. I appreciate they wanted to support us.

I remember crying in Dr. Gallaher's office one time. I don't know what I was crying about, but he listened to me. They really invested in the students.

Where did you grow up?

Batesville, Mississippi.

Where do you live, and what do you do now?

I live in Searcy, Arkansas. I am a physician's assistant at Unity Health.

Tell us about your family:

I am married to Slade Hickmon. We have a little girl named Ragan. She is 20 months old.

FAST FINISH:

Favorite food: Cinnamon rolls
Favorite TV show or movie: Pride and Prejudice
Favorite Bible scripture: Psalm 3:3
Favorite sports team: I follow Ole Miss football
Person I most admire: My parents, Jennifer and Robbie Kiihnl
Rather ride or drive? Ride
Pick one – salad or dessert: Dessert
Dream vacation spot: Greece
Early morning or late-night person? Early morning

If you wish to include contact information at the end of the feature, please complete those you would like to be listed:

Email address: wkiihnl@harding.edu

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