Kyndall Caudle, front row center, signs her scholarship papers with Lincoln Memorial University, while surrounded by family and coaches. Shown with the signee, are, front row, mother and father Deborah and Steve Caudle. Back row: Bailey Reeves, East Hamilton assistant coach; Tony Williams, East Hamilton head coach; Adam Caudle, brother; Jessica Caudle, sister; and, Ken Smith, AAU coach.
photo by Dennis Norwood
After dipping into the Chattanooga prep market earlier this year for Ooltewah’s standout softball star, Allie Jones, Lincoln Memorial University was back in town to sign East Hamilton’s Kendall Caudle to a basketball scholarship.
Caudle, a 5’8” point guard who expects to move to the two-guard slot in college, will complete her senior season with the Lady Hurricanes this season. The Lady ‘Canes new head coach, Tony Williams, said, “I can’t take any credit for her past accomplishments, but I am proud and fortunate to coach her during her senior season.”
As for why LMU? That question was answered point blank as Caudle replied, “It just felt right.” She continued, “Coach (Krystal) Evans was really nice.
I felt like she really cared for her players.”
Williams said, “As good as she is as a player, she’s an even better person off the court. She’s a lead by example player, but this year we’re encouraging her to be a more vocal type of leader on the court.”
Her AAU coach, Ken Smith, talked about her significant “basketball IQ” being a direct result of her academic prowess. “She’s a very coachable kid,“ Smith said. “She always gives one hundred percent and cab play in the one, two or three position.”
Smith pointed out, “Kyndall always comes to practice with her books, When we take a break she’s doing homework.”
When asked about her plans for her senior season now that she’s made her commitment to LMU, Caudle replied, “I want to get my 1000th point and be the leader my team needs, encouraging them, pushing them.”
Lincoln Memorial University is an NCAA Division II school and competes in the South Atlantic Conference. LMU is located in Harrogate, Tennessee.
Contact Dennis Norwood at sportsshooter614@gmail.com; follow him on Twitter at @DennisENorwood.