Berea College

Valerie Kendrick joins the Mountaineer coaching staff following a stellar athletic career, specializing in the shot put, discus, hammer, and weight throw. A native of the region, Valerie’s journey reflects the strength and resilience of the Appalachian spirit. A quality she now seeks to instill in every athlete she coaches.
“I am incredibly excited to welcome Valerie Kendrick to our coaching staff,” Head Coach Michael Thomas said. “Having watched Valerie compete at such a high level throughout her career, I’ve always admired her technical discipline and her ‘mountain-tough’ mentality. She was a powerhouse in the circle at UPike and a vital leader for them. To have a coach who has competed at the highest level and understands the grit required to succeed in the throws and in the classroom is a huge win for our student-athletes. I know her heart for this region, and this program will inspire our throwers to reach new heights.”

A Legacy of Excellence at the University of Pikeville
Before joining the coaching ranks at Berea, Valerie established herself as one of the premier throwers in the region during her time at the UPike. Her career highlights include:

• Shot Put Specialist: Valerie consistently dominated the shot put, boasting a massive college best of 12.99m (42' 7.5"). She was a frequent winner at major meets.
• Discus Standout: A versatile athlete, she achieved a career-best mark of 41.07m (134' 9") in the discus, ranking her among the top competitors in the conference.
• Conference Championship Success: Valerie was a perennial podium threat in the Mid-South Conference and the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC), securing multiple top-5 finishes at conference championships in both indoor and outdoor seasons.
• Proven Versatility: Her expertise extends across all throwing disciplines, with significant marks in the Weight Throw (12.12m) and Hammer Throw (37.29m).

Mentorship & Vision
As a coach, Valerie bridges the gap between elite athlete and technical mentor. Drawing from her years of competing at the highest levels, she focuses on the meticulous nuances of the events. Her mission is to foster a supportive environment where throwers can find their own power, ushering in a tradition of "Mountain Strength" for years to come.

Personal & Educational Background:
Valerie is from Rockcastle County and graduated high school from Rockcastle County High in 2021. Valeries studied secondary education with an emphasis in biology at the University of Pikeville and graduated in 2025.