Softball always has been a major part of Kindra Gregory Palacols life. It took her throughout high school, to college, and now well into her successful career in coaching and teaching.

Palacol now finds herself getting to use two of her passions at Norman North High School, in roles as the assistant fast pitch coach and Algebra I teacher.

I knew growing up that I had a passion for coaching and the only way I could make a profession of that would be to teach as well, she said. This is where I expected my life to go but I never thought that it would work out the way it has. I have grown to trust in God and let His will be done in all that I do.

Palacol was one of nine former athletes to be honored at the 40th Anniversary of Athletics, which was on USAOs campus Nov. 1-3.

The 2007 USAO graduate, secondary math education, spent four years pitching for the Drover softball program. She holds career school records in most wins with 70 and innings pitched with 644.1. Shes also second in most strikeouts thrown with 494.

She decided to play for the Drovers both for the softball program and because of its proximity to her hometown of Lexington.

I chose to come to USAO because I had faith in my coach, Julie Vergenz, who recruited me. I had a trust with her automatically, she said. I would like to thank Julie Vergenz, who helped me grow as a player and a person while I was there.

Palacol said she uses methods she learned at USAO in her career today.

I model a lot of my coaching and teaching after Julie Vergenz, she said. USAO has played a role in my life by helping me to be prepared for my career. I thank all of the professors that taught me so much and helped with my experience to become a better teacher, especially Dr. Nancy Warden. She helped me stick with math.

But the relationship between Palacol and Warden was symbiotic.

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Palacol’s passion for coaching, math led her to Norman