Kayla Henneberry Hudson
Class of 2013
Hometown: Decatur, Illinois
#5
Center Back
What have you been up to?
Currently I live in Sherman Texas with my husband Taylor of almost 6 years and soon our first child will be joining the crew this July! We are expecting a little boy! We are excited for this new chapter in our lives. God is so good. After Greenville I attended Southern Illinois University School of Medicine at Carbondale where I received my master's degree (MSPAS) and I am now a licensed Physician Assistant (PA-C). I work in a family practice clinic in north Texas and I absolutely love what I do! Up until now I have filled my life with my family, my job, my church, playing on the worship team with Taylor, my friends, and of course the gym every morning. I always look forward to having a race or a rock-climbing trip to train for as well. I know soon my life will be rearranged and I'm hoping those wonderful mom abilities of multi-tasking will take over as I figure out how to balance everything. I feel like being a student-athlete was really good prep for this real life stuff!
Favorite GU and/or soccer memory
It is hard to pick just one memory. I will always remember the many interesting outfits that appeared on Freakshow Fridays. The best times were when Dubs joined in too. I don't know if those practices are still a thing, but please take advantage of the team bonding moments, you won't regret it!
I think my most proud moment was my senior year when for the first time in Greenville history we beat Principia in the SLIAC semi-final. I don't think I have ever felt my legs hurt so badly, my lungs burn so much, or my brain feel so foggy from pure exhaustion. The victory was even sweeter because the only goal was scored early on in the first half and my defensive line held them off successfully for what seemed like an eternity until the final whistle with a score of 1-0. I remember the team rushing us and I think Stew (my roommate, teammate, and partner in crime Rachel Stewart) picked me up. All I could really do was collapse and cry happy tears.
Advice for current ladies in the program
My advice for you current ladies is to soak it all in and don't do any of it half way. It is true that you can stay fit after college and I hope you will. However, it will never be the same as living and breathing the competitive air of college soccer that you have right now. There is something about having that team that you sacrifice for. They will build you up, encourage you, and push you farther than you could go on your own. Those are the friendships that will last your lifetime. They will support you in your relationships, wedding planning, pregnancies, job interviews, life changes, losses, and your victories. I couldn't imagine my life without them!
