Being named Academic All-American the “cherry on the top” of Renee Abernathy’s Kentucky career

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Renee Abernathy never made B in high school or college, one reason she became Kentucky softball’s ninth Academic All-American. (UK Athletics Photo)

She had already been named the Southeastern Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year and won the CATSPY Award for Student-Athlete of the Year at Kentucky.

On the softball field, she hit .326 with 15 home runs and drove in 51 runs — all impressive numbers in SEC play. She also scored 38 runs and stole five bases.

Yet Renee Abernathy says being named a CoSIDA Academic First-Team All-American is the “cherry on the top” of her recently completed athletics career.

“I have been blessed playing at Kentucky four years,” said Abernathy, an Illinois native. “I am blessed that the coaching staff let me prioritize my academics and this year that was showcased in the awards I got.”

“This award really means a lot because there are so many people up for it. To be named first team is quite an honor.”

Abernathy was huge in clutch situations for Kentucky this season. Her three-run, seventh-inning home run at Virginia Tech in the NCAA Tournament produced one of  UK’s most dramatic wins of the season.

However, she said her home run off Oklahoma pitcher Jordy Bahl is one she’ll remember. The Sooners have been ranked No. 1 all season.

“That was pretty impressive to do that against Oklahoma. Bahl is just a freshman and I will remember doing that the next three years when I watch her pitch,” Abernathy said. “But it is not specific plays I will remember. It’s more the people I was with. The last two or three years I was surrounded by amazing people.

“When I hit that home run at Virginia Tech, I remember how much fun the dugout was and then embracing teammates after the game. You don’t forget that.”

You might also want to remember that she is graduating with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average. She will be going to medical school and then serving in the U.S. Navy.

“I have actually never made a B in my entire life,” Abernathy said.

Not a single B?

“Well, I think I made a B or C in first grade on a spelling test and I cried for a week,” the Kentucky outfielder said.

She said maintaining her A streak in high school and college did not create any extra pressure.

“There was one class where I said this class is not going to break my (A) average,” Abernathy said. “I am pretty smart naturally and blessed in that sense. My parents brought me up with an emphasis on academics. There was not a lot of procrastination with academics, which helped me a lot at Kentucky. I actually also really enjoy learning. That’s why I am going to (medical) school for four more years.”

She could have opted to stay at UK for another year and take a COVID season like teammate Lauren Johnson did this year and teammate Kayla Kowalik is doing next season.

“I have actually thought I could have done another year. It crossed my mind because the past couple of weeks have been hard,” Abernathy said. “But I am ready to move on and get on with life, go to medical school and really be an adult for once.”

“This last month I have had to be an adult and it is very stressful compared to playing softball. I have been looking back on memories and am even more appreciative of getting to play softball at such a great university. But leaving Kentucky is not easy.”

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