By Jim Workman

West Virginia Sports Writers Association

 

Nitro High School senior Kyndall Perry has succeeded despite many challenges in her young life, crediting faith and athletics as key components in providing the motivation and the drive to overcome. 

 

Perry has been chosen as the recipient of this year’s Doug Huff Award, given annually by the West Virginia Sports Writers Association to a senior high school athlete, male or female in any sport, for leadership, determination and going the extra mile.

 

Perry will be recognized at the 77th Annual WVSWA Victory Awards Dinner on May 5 in Wheeling.

 

“Kyndall is all about heart, and that’s in every aspect of her life,” said Jennifer Piercy, Nitro’s swim coach. “When you talk to Kyndall, whether it's about her faith, family, friends or academics, you can see and feel her passion. When you combine that with her competitive nature and determination in athletics, it makes her a natural leader.”

 

Perry expressed gratitude to the WVSWA for the honor.

 

“I am so incredibly humbled and grateful,” she said. “Over the last four years, I have faced many obstacles that have taught me many things. Most of all, how to be a leader and an advocate for not only myself but for those around me. 

 

“After facing two knee surgeries and an upcoming heart surgery, I have learned that success is not guaranteed, even with hard work.”

Perry has also played soccer and ran track, but will continue her athletic career as a swimmer at Fairmont State University next season.

She is a phenomenal school leader, as described by her teachers, coaches and administrators. Perry also shines in the classroom, with a GPA of over 4.0.

 

Every year of her high school career, she has battled and returned from injuries and illness, including multiple knee surgeries and a heart condition.

 

“I’d love to say that this journey was easy for me and I’ve had a great recovery,” Perry added. “But I didn’t. I’ve had to work twice as hard just to prove I deserve what I was working towards. 

 

“I’d like to thank my coaches, my parents and everyone who has given me unwavering support through the last four years. They’ve made a world of difference. And I’d like to thank the Lord for His many blessings He has put on my life. My faith is something so important to me. My story couldn’t be told without God.” 

 

Piercy has coached Perry four years, and witnessed Perry’s accomplishments.

 

“Kyndall’s gift is her perseverance and desire for constant improvement,” Piercy said. “This award depicts her strengths and what makes her so special. She just doesn’t quit and she won’t let anyone else quit either. Even when faced with adversity, she figures out a way to turn a negative into a positive.”

 

Perry was set to represent Nitro at the state swim meet again this February. But on the day of the meet, she was unable to be cleared medically to participate.

 

Piercy explained the circumstance.

 

“Kyndall was unable to swim on Friday (at the 2024 state swim meet). She was seeded seventh overall in 100 Breast but unfortunately never got the opportunity to compete in her main event. For an athlete who swam three straight years at states preparing for this, it was a devastating blow. Nothing prepares you for how to handle disappointments like this. 

 

“However, instead of wallowing in it, this young woman got up, threw that hair in a bun and showed up all day on that pool deck for her teammates and friends all competing. She also showed up for her coaches, making a statement on how you persevere through adversity. This is what being an athlete is all about.” 

 

Andy Shamblin is one of Kyndall’s teachers and the sponsor of the National Honor Society at Nitro High.

 

“Kyndall gives 110 percent to everything she does,” Shamblin stated. “She is so outgoing and has a great presence in everything she is involved in. She is positive, uplifting and shares her story and her faith too. She’s the leader in FCA. Overall, she is just a wonderful kid to be around.”

 

Shamblin called Kyndall a role model.

 

“Everything she does, she does well,” he explained. “She dedicates time, she prepares and she give complete focus to everything she is involved in. It’s remarkable what she has had to overcome and still be successful,” Shamblin added.

 

“She really had to fight,” Piercy said. “Watching her face her challenges has been great, to watch her mature as an athlete and a person. She can be an intense person, but she also has a heart of gold.”