Ankeny Centennial softball star Jordyn Kennedy is headed to the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
The junior announced on Thursday that she has verbally committed to play for Minnesota, beginning in the fall of 2026. She becomes the second player in Centennial history to commit to the Gophers, following in the footsteps of Iowa Girls’ High School Athletic Union Softball Hall of Famer Kendyl Lindaman.
“The biggest things I was looking for in a school were that it was outside of Iowa, a big campus/population, and good academics,” said Kennedy, who had two other offers. “I’d say I researched about 15 schools. I really liked the coaches and had a good connection with them.”
Kennedy is a three-time all-stater who has played a variety of positions in high school, including first base and third base. She helped the Jaguars to the Class 5A state title in 2023.
Kennedy emerged as a potential superstar as an eighth grader in 2022, when she led the Jaguars with a .416 average, four home runs and 27 RBIs while helping the team to a 25-13 record. She was named to the Class 5A third team.
As a freshman, Kennedy led Centennial to a 36-5 mark and its first state championship. She batted .464 with a team-high 12 homers and 49 RBIs.
Kennedy was named the captain of the Class 5A all-tournament team. She was also selected to the all-state first team.
Last summer, Kennedy was a repeat pick to the Class 5A first team after leading the Jaguars to a 29-10 record. She batted .460 with 12 home runs, 10 doubles and 39 RBIs.
Kennedy, who drew 26 walks while striking out just once in 100 at-bats as a sophomore, is looking forward to playing in the Big Ten Conference.
“I’ve been to a couple of (Minnesota’s) camps and really like the drills and feedback I received from them,” she said. “Minnesota met all of my check marks. So overall, it was a great fit for me!”