May Chongwiboon – LRHS News
(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL) – Ryan Kennedy is back at LRHS on the school’s attendance staff after coaching the varsity Mustangs baseball team last year. But he’s been a Mustang for a much longer time.
Kennedy is a native of Bradenton and a Lakewood Ranch alum. After graduating in 2003, Kennedy attended the University of Florida to play baseball.
“Why not come back to my alumni and work here?” exclaims Kennedy.
Kennedy didn’t enjoy school as a child, but that didn’t stop him from wanting to be a teacher.
“The ultimate goal is to be in the classroom as a teacher, that’s what I’m striving for,” says Kennedy.
Sitting in a classroom all day learning may not have been Kennedy’s favorite childhood memory, but playing baseball was.
Prior to coaching the baseball team at LRHS, Kennedy spent four years coaching at the University of Tampa where he specialized in hitting and defensive play. During his playing career at UT, Kennedy played second base for the 2006 and 2007 NCAA Division II national championship teams. Kennedy is most excited for baseball season to begin.
“If you’re not working hard, someone else is,” says Kennedy. This saying is something that he likes to tell his team to encourage and motivate them. Kennedy chose to work in a school environment due to the fact that he wants the opportunity to help give back to students. Giving back and helping kids is a big part of Kennedy’s life.
Kennedy said, “It’s an amazing opportunity to give back to the kids, and be able to teach them.”
He and his wife are expecting a baby boy this January. In Kennedy’s free time he enjoys playing baseball, and spending time with his family. Baseball has been a big part of Kennedy’s life since he was young, and he continues to play to this day.