BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — More than 70 campers gathered at Martin County High School on May 29 for Ken’s Camp of Champions, a basketball event newly renamed to honor the late Kennadi Mollett. The camp, a cherished tradition, now serves as a vibrant tribute to a young woman whose spirit continues to inspire.
“This was one of her favorite things to do,” said Coach Robin Newsome, remembering the former Lady Cardinal. “She always took care of the little ones. She carried them around, fed them, taught them, and even wiped snot from their nose. She loved kids.”
Mollett left an indelible mark on her community. Newsome described her as a “leader and hard worker” who gave “100% in everything she did.” Mollett’s vibrant spirit, often expressed by ending every huddle with “1, 2, 3 family,” brought positivity to every practice and game.
Her mother, Robin Walker, attended the camp and found comfort in seeing her daughter’s memory honored. “It means the world to me to see the community come together and help me through this,” Walker told the Mountain Citizen. “Her smile was contagious. She never met a stranger.”
Walker still receives calls and messages from those touched by Kennadi, a testament to her lasting influence. The community on both sides of the river continues to mourn the loss of a soul taken too soon.
“This camp, the scholarships in her name, events — they’re all a testimony to who she was,” Walker said, reflecting on her daughter’s enduring legacy. “I know that God has a purpose for everything. Maybe it was to show these kids. She still inspires so many people to be who they are. People can look back years from now and she will be remembered.”
She added through tears, “Coming to Martin County was the best decision we made. This is our family. This was her home. She lived the best 19 years that someone could live. The lives she touched in her short time. Some people live to 100 and don’t do what she has done.
“I want her to know I’m proud of her,” Walker said. “I had someone tell me, ‘You raised a legacy.’ One moment was all it took to feel Kennadi’s kindness. To know her was to love her.”
As Coach Newsome instilled her philosophy throughout the camp, a piece of Kennadi’s spirit seemed to shine in each camper’s smile.
The event, which saw one of the highest turnouts for the Lady Cardinal camp, concluded with several awards presented to deserving participants.
Hot Shot winners: Carson Carter, Addison Haney, Grayson Hinkle, Jasmine Hamilton, Lukas Mays, Kenna Hale, Blaine Williams, Paige Stafford
Free throw: Jastin Marcum, Abbi Sartaine, Lucian Harris, Gracie Whitt, Rocco Maynard, Arianna Guthrie, Parker Stafford, Harper Runyon
Layup: Connor White, Addison Haney, Grayson Hinkle, Jenna Marcum, Charlie Burke, Remy Williams, Kaiden Bertling, Braylee Horn
Most Coachable: Kenna Hale
Best Dance Moves: Hutch Crum
Most Dedicated: Kenleigh Estep
Heart and Hustle: Charlie Burke
Kindness in honor of Kennadi: Mila Guthrie
