From Sacramento to the WCWS: Sheldon alum Dakota Kennedy helping lead Arkansas into history

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KTXL) – The Women’s College World Series begins Thursday, and one of college softball’s top stars has Sacramento roots.

Former Sheldon standout Dakota Kennedy has developed into one of the best all-around players in the country, helping lead Arkansas to its first Women’s College World Series appearance in program history.

“It’s been all of our dreams,” Kennedy told FOX40. “Something that we’ve obviously wanted and worked so hard for all year. So for our hard work to pay off and for us to make it to the World Series, I think that’s something we’re really proud and grateful about.”

Kennedy’s softball journey started in Sacramento before becoming a national star at Arizona and now Arkansas.

At Arizona, Kennedy emerged as one of the nation’s top outfielders, earning multiple All-American honors and winning a Rawlings Gold Glove Award in 2024 after posting a perfect fielding percentage in left field. She also hit over .400 in back-to-back seasons with the Wildcats.

This season, Kennedy transferred to Arkansas and immediately made an impact in the SEC. She earned first-team All-SEC and SEC All-Defensive Team honors while helping lead the Razorbacks to Oklahoma City.

Kennedy also recently received an AUSL Golden Ticket, recognizing her as one of softball’s top professional prospects.

Still, despite the national attention, Kennedy says Sacramento remains a major part of her story.

“I think about winning our conference championship my senior year at Sheldon and just their support of me now where I am in Arkansas,” Kennedy said. “I think it just ties everything back together and it’s amazing.”

Kennedy said growing up playing through the Sacramento softball community helped shape the competitor she is today.

“I think it just teaches you how to compete your butt off and be the best teammate that you can,” Kennedy said.

Leaving California to play softball at the highest level came with challenges, but Kennedy said believing in herself and having support from back home, helped her along the way.

“It just reminds me of all the hard work and sacrifice that not only I put in, but my former teammates, my former coaches, my parents, my siblings,” Kennedy said. “It’s coming to a head right now.”

Kennedy is also balancing life away from softball. She is pursuing degrees in criminal justice and Spanish and hopes to attend law school after her playing career.

As Arkansas prepares for the Women’s College World Series, Kennedy hopes fans back home tune in.

“Everyone should be watching women’s sports,” Kennedy said. “It’s going to be awesome and competitive and amazing and fun.”

And no matter how far softball takes her, Kennedy says Sacramento will always feel like home.

Her first stop when she gets back?

“In-N-Out,” Kennedy said with a laugh. “Once I step foot in Sacramento Airport, I’m leaving and I’m going straight to In-N-Out.”

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