Northshore graduate Kandace Alfred played first base for the Lady Panthers. This year, she hit .320 with 11 runs batted in and she doubled twice. One of the highlights of her season this year for her was a game-ending single during the 2009 Eades and Subervielle Memorial Tournament, to help NHS defeat Chalmette 2-1. This year, the Lady Panthers went 19-8 overall and 7-7 in district, but missed out on the postseason.

Northshore coach Marian Eades said Alfred was an asset to the team.

“She played a really good first base for us. She was a joy and a pleasure to have on the team,” Eades said. Eades added that Alfred was had a positive attitude.

“Kandace never complained. She had the best attitude ever. When things were down, she had something positive to say to her teammates,” Eades said. “If I ever needed anything, I could just call her and she could text message the girls in a minute.”

Off the field, Alfred was very active in the school. She was the Parliamentarian or the person that ran the pep rallies. She was a Key Club member her first two years and belonged to the Fellowship for Christian Athletes her first three years. She was also on the yearbook staff and she was a member of the student council. Despite all the activities, Alfred still got the work done in the classroom, posting a 3.7 career grade point average and she made a 25 on the ACT.

What do you enjoy most about playing softball? I really liked hanging out with all the people, but making friends was the best part.

What do you like best about being a student athlete? Being a part of something instead of just going to school and learning. You have that team to back you up.

Do you feel an added responsibility of being a role model as a student athlete? Yes, because being a student athlete as a senior, it seemed like everybody was looking up to you.

I didn’t want to set a bad example by messing up.

Most memorable game/accomplishment or situation in sports? My sophomore year, we played Ponchatoula (at PHS). We were down 1-0 in the second inning. Coach Eades asked me to pinch-hit with Heather Doiron on second base.

It started raining in the middle of the at bat. The game was pushed back to the next day. We went to school and practiced because it wasn’t raining in Slidell. Coach Eades told me it was the biggest at bat of my year. She made sure I got extra practice. We went back the next day and I got a base hit and Heather scored. We ended up winning 10-1.

Who has been the most influential person in your school sports career? Coach (Mike) Bourg because he helped take the pressure off.

(Bourg is an assistant coach for the Lady Panthers’ softball team).

Who is your favorite athlete? Former Northshore offensive lineman Chris Faulk.

(Faulk graduated this year).

Favorite team? The 2009 Northshore Panthers’ Baseball Team.

(The team won the Class 5A state title)

What is your favorite subject in school? Chemistry and Physics.

Plans after high school/college major? I’m going to Southeastern Louisiana University. I’m undecided on my major, but it will probably be Chemical Engineering.

(Alfred said she might try out for the track team).

Favorite sports movie/TV show/actor/actress? “The Mighty Ducks” and “House.” Dennis Quaid and Tina Fey.

Favorite type of music? Classic Rock.

Favorite food dish? Frito pie.

Best vacation? We just got back from Destin, Fla., Saturday. I went with about 20 of my friends.

Best thing about living on the Northshore? I like how it’s small and kind of big. You can go anywhere and see somebody you know.

Hobbies/interests/volunteering: I like photography. I was in Key Club.

Parents: Mike and Tina Alfred of Slidell.