Some stories in sport go far beyond wins and losses. They remind us what resilience really looks like.
In this episode of When the Cleats Come Off, Ashley sits down with Kendall Burton, former University of Georgia outfielder, for one of the most powerful and inspiring conversations in the podcast’s library. Kendall shares the unbelievable journey that took her from repeated medical setbacks and uncertainty to the Women’s College World Series stage.
Her story includes 23 surgeries by the age of 17, an acute ischemic stroke at 18, and being told she would never play the game she loved again. But Kendall refused to accept that ending. Instead, she kept fighting, kept believing, and ultimately finished her collegiate career competing at the 2018 Women’s College World Series.
This episode is a moving reminder of what can happen when determination, faith, and support all come together.
A Journey Defined by Resilience
Kendall’s path through softball was anything but typical.
She opens up about what it was like to endure repeated surgeries and major health setbacks at such a young age, while still trying to hold onto the sport that meant so much to her. When she suffered a stroke at 18, the physical and emotional obstacles only grew larger.
Yet Kendall’s response was not surrender. It was persistence.
Her story is a testament to the power of refusing to let adversity define your future.
When Softball Becomes a Shield
One of the most honest parts of this conversation is Kendall’s reflection on how softball often served as a shield for the insecurities and pain she carried.
Like many athletes, she found identity, comfort, and confidence in the game. But her journey also forced her to confront what it meant to keep going when everything she depended on felt uncertain.
That honesty gives this episode its depth and makes her story resonate far beyond the softball field.
The Role of Family and Support
Kendall also shares how deeply her parents influenced her throughout this journey.
Their belief, support, and presence helped carry her through the moments when the path forward felt impossible. This episode highlights just how important a strong support system can be when athletes are facing life-changing challenges.
No athlete gets through the hardest parts alone.
Reaching the Women’s College World Series
After everything she had endured, stepping onto the field at the Women’s College World Series in 2018 was about much more than softball.
Kendall reflects on what it meant to compete on that stage, how it felt to get there after being told she never would, and why that moment represented the power of belief, grit, and a little bit of stubbornness.
In Kendall’s case, being stubborn was not a flaw. It was part of the reason she kept going.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
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How Kendall fought back from major medical setbacks
Resilience in the face of surgeries, a stroke, and uncertainty. -
What it means to keep believing when others say no
Refusing to accept limitations placed on your future. -
How athletes often use sport to cover deeper insecurities
The emotional side of identity and performance. -
Why family support matters during the hardest moments
The role of belief, encouragement, and presence. -
What the WCWS meant after everything she had been through
A full-circle moment shaped by determination and grit.
About
Kendall Burton
Kendall Burton is a former University of Georgia outfielder whose softball journey has become a powerful story of perseverance and hope. Despite enduring 23 surgeries before the age of 17 and suffering an acute ischemic stroke at 18, Kendall fought her way back to the game she loved and ultimately competed at the 2018 Women’s College World Series.
Now, she continues to inspire others by sharing her story, speaking openly about resilience and identity, and working on a memoir that reflects the extraordinary path she has traveled.
Connect with Kendall:
Instagram: @kenigrace
