A Model Student-Athlete
Kenneth Hall (’11), biology with a minor in chemistry
Nick Leonard (’09), CNU alumnus
Kenneth Hall knows what it takes to be a winner. As a standout CNU football player, his team won two USA South Conference championships. During four years playing, he started in 31 straight games, was a first-team all-conference selection in the USA South Athletic Conference, and served as team captain.Success extends beyond the football field for this stellar student as Kenneth has made the dean’s list numerous semesters. He is also a member of the Alpha Chi national honor society and Tri Beta biology honor society.
“Kenneth is the epitome of a true student-athlete,” says Matt Kelchner, CNU head football coach. In fact, the King William, Virginia, native is a three-time member of the USA South All-Academic Team.
Kenneth chose CNU for its exceptional academics and competitive football program. “On my first tour here I was blown away by the campus, its residence halls and academic buildings,” he says. “I also knew the success and prestige of CNU’s football team, and that definitely played a role in my decision to attend.”
An offensive tackle, Kenneth enjoys the passion, aggression and hard work football requires. “It takes a certain type of person — a special type — to make a four-year commitment to the game of football,” Kenneth says. “What I love about football is that it brings together a group of guys from various cultural backgrounds, upbringings and beliefs, and it gives them the opportunity to focus all their efforts on one common goal – to win.”
When Kenneth first started playing here, teammate Nick Leonard took him under his wing. Nick demonstrated how to play with heart and intensity, showing Kenneth that hard work reaps positive results.
“We are both offensive lineman, and that group of players within CNU football is a very tight-knit group. Kenneth was a great football player, and as a freshman he was already being considered for playing time,” Nick says. “As an offensive lineman this is extremely rare as there is usually an adjustment period to the speed of the college game and the level of competition. So needless to say he had the team’s attention early in his career. We became friends, and through the next two football seasons at CNU we became very close and remain so today.”
Kenneth’s dedication shines on both the field of play and in the classroom. After graduating he hopes to attend medical school and become a dermatologist.
“I have no doubt Kenneth will achieve his goals,” Nick says. “He will excel in anything he chooses to do. That is just how he is. I hope he continues on the path he has set for himself because it is an extremely promising one.”
