North Carolina State University Athletics
Kendall Gaunt Returns Home to Join the Pack
7/1/2026 10:03:00 AM | Softball
RALEIGH, N.C. – Smithfield native Kendall Gaunt will return home to North Carolina to join the Wolfpack softball team for the 2026-27 season, as announced by head coach Lindsay Leftwich.
Gaunt will have three years of eligibility remaining after spending her freshman season at Syracuse.
Leftwich said, "Kendall is everything we look for in a Wolfpack player. Bringing a North Carolina athlete home to wear the red and white is incredibly special. She's one of the most versatile players we've recruited, but what stands out most is her team-first mindset. Kendall's grit, toughness, and blue-collar work ethic align perfectly with our culture, and we're excited to have her representing NC State."
Prior to the 2026 season, she was named to D1 Softball's Top 100 Freshman Watch List.
The infielder/outfielder appeared in 38 games for the Orange, starting 33 primarily in the outfield. She completed her freshman campaign with a .256 batting average and .524 slugging. She smacked 21 hits, including seven doubles and five homers throughout the 2026 season.
On the basepaths, Gaunt stole seven bases, including a career high two against the Pack on March 29. She scored 11 runs for the Orange and brought in 13.
Gaunt will have three years of eligibility remaining after spending her freshman season at Syracuse.
Leftwich said, "Kendall is everything we look for in a Wolfpack player. Bringing a North Carolina athlete home to wear the red and white is incredibly special. She's one of the most versatile players we've recruited, but what stands out most is her team-first mindset. Kendall's grit, toughness, and blue-collar work ethic align perfectly with our culture, and we're excited to have her representing NC State."
Prior to the 2026 season, she was named to D1 Softball's Top 100 Freshman Watch List.
The infielder/outfielder appeared in 38 games for the Orange, starting 33 primarily in the outfield. She completed her freshman campaign with a .256 batting average and .524 slugging. She smacked 21 hits, including seven doubles and five homers throughout the 2026 season.
On the basepaths, Gaunt stole seven bases, including a career high two against the Pack on March 29. She scored 11 runs for the Orange and brought in 13.
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