Kendell Mindnich Named 2019 Recipient of the Blake Nettles Scholarship

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Southern Miss junior goalkeeper and Melbourne Beach, Fla. native Kendell Mindnich was named the 2019 recipient of the Blake Nettles Scholarship, prior to Southern Miss' match against UAB on Sunday (October 27).

The Blake Nettles Scholarship is awarded annually to one Golden Eagles women's soccer player in honor of the life of the former youth soccer coach and his contributions to the Southern Miss soccer program.

Nettles was a prominent member of the Hattiesburg soccer community. He began coaching soccer in 1980. Over the course of his coaching career, Nettles coached many youth soccer players in the Pine Belt area, including several that went on to play at Southern Miss and other colleges and universities across the nation.

Nettles' was passionate about growing the sport of soccer in the Pine Belt area and he was successful in doing so due to the hard work, dedication and energy that he brought to the field as a coach. It can truly be said of Nettles that he left the sport in better shape than he found it, having made a positive impact on the lives of many.

The patience, generosity and integrity of Nettles are all things that positively influenced those that he came in contact with throughout his life. Nettles passed away unexpectedly in 2005 while lending a helping hand to people who were affected by Hurricane Katrina on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. After his passing, his family established the Blake Nettles Scholarship in 2016.

The intent of the Blake Nettles Scholarship is "to provide a scholarship to a member of the Southern Miss women's soccer team who has demonstrated excellent community service."

Known for her selfless attitude, servant leadership, and excelling both on and off the field, Mindnich is a prime example of the type of student-athlete that the Blake Nettles Scholarship should go to.

Mindnich on being named the 2019 recipient of the Blake Nettles Scholarship
"I am absolutely honored to receive the Blake Nettles Scholarship. The Nettles family has been so supportive of our program and I am beyond thankful for this opportunity, and to represent the life of Blake Nettles and his beautiful family."

Southern Miss head women's soccer coach Mohammed El-Zare on Mindnich receiving the Blake Nettles Scholarship
"Kendell is the definition of a model student-athlete who excels academically and athletically. She cares deeply about individuals within the team and always strives to make those around her better. Everyone on the team looks up to her and the leadership that she exhibits."

For all of the latest Southern Miss soccer news, fans can follow the official Southern Miss soccer Twitter account (@SouthernMissSoc), Instagram account (@southernmisssoccer) and Facebook account (Southern Miss Soccer).

Kendell Mindnich Named 2019 Recipient of the Blake Nettles Scholarship

Players Mentioned

Kendell Mindnich

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