The Department of Athletics is always looking for ways to promote the accomplishments of its former student-athletes and will be conducting a series of Alumni Spotlight's to highlight their professional accomplishments. If you have a success story you would like to share, please contact Assistant AD for External Relations Tim Lutz at tlutz1@aum.edu or at 334-244-3832. He can also be reached on Facebook or Twitter (@timlutz). We would love to hear from you and share your accomplishments.
 
Today's Alumni Spotlight features Kendall McCardell, a four-year student-athlete with the women's soccer team. McCardell, a Mount Pleasant, S.C., native lettered for the Warhawks from 2012-15.
 
McCardell joined the Warhawks from Wando High School in Mount Pleasant, where she helped the Warriors to a pair of South Carolina Class 4A State Championships. She also played club soccer for Mt. Pleasant Soccer Club, Bridge FA and SC United FC of Mt. Pleasant.
 
During her tenure at AUM, McCardell helped the women's soccer program to a 39-31-5 record and four appearances in the conference tournament. She was selected AUM's Musco Lighting Champion of Character recipient as a junior.
 
McCardell appeared in 66 games during her four years, scoring four goals and assisting on five others. She finished her career with 43 shots, including 19 of which were on goal.
 
Now, McCardell has moved to Birmingham, Ala., where she is a physical therapist assistant at Therapy South, a therapist-owned, outpatient physical therapy practice that specializes in personalized, hands on care.
 
While not working, McCardell serves as a soccer referee at the youth, high school and college level.
 
For more information on what Kendall is doing and how AUM played a role in her professional success, please check out the Q&A below.
 
1. Where are you living now and what are you doing? Did you know you always wanted to do what you are doing professionally?
I live in Birmingham and work as a physical therapist assistant for Therapy South (outpatient orthopedics). I had known since high school that I wanted to be in the medical field but wasn't exactly sure which one until my senior year of high school, when I knew I wanted to be in some sort of therapy - whether it be physical therapy, occupational therapy, or athletic training. I also still stay involved with soccer as a referee (youth, high school, and college). I never would have thought that I would have gotten so into refereeing, but I love it!
 
2. How did your time as a student and student-athlete at AUM prepare you for your career and life after college?
I think my time at AUM prepared me for my career by my interactions with a wide variety of people - professors, peers, international students, domestic students. I see a wide variety of people in my career and all my interactions are different. I think being a collegiate athlete helped me to manage my time better. Between work, making food and keeping my place clean and errands, sometimes I really have to manage where I am and where I'm going - especially with Birmingham traffic!
 
3. What are your goals for the near future in regard to your career? Do you have a plan for the next 2-3 years?
I haven't really thought much about the next few years. I do want to stay in Birmingham and continue to work for Therapy South and referee. I know as a referee, I hope to continue to get opportunities to learn and move up within the game. 
 
4. When is the last time you've been to campus. How has the campus changed?
I was actually on campus to referee one of the men's soccer matches this fall. The athletic department has done an amazing job with the soccer field - adding the bleachers making it look so professional. Unfortunately, I was able to visit anywhere else on campus. 
 
5. What originally attracted you to AUM as a student-athlete?
I loved that the soccer team was so diverse and had an absolute blast with them on my visit. I liked that the campus was smaller, because it fit better with my personality. Another one of my favorite things was the Wellness Center - it's so nice it makes you want to go do something even on days you don't want to. 
  
6. What are some of your most memorable moments from your time as a student-athlete at AUM?
My junior year was probably my most memorable. We had the most successful season while I was at AUM, going to the semifinals of the conference tournament, where we took Mobile, the Number 2 team in the nation at the time, to 11 rounds of kicks from the mark. That was such an incredible season. I think as a team we probably had the most fun that year together too. I also remember my Senior Day and my parents being able to come and watch me play again. Because AUM was such a long drive from my home, my parents didn't get to see me play as much as they would have liked over my four years there, but I was so happy to have them there with me on Senior Day. 
 
7. How often do you keep in touch with your former teammates?
I don't keep in touch with everyone, but there are a few that I do catch up with from time to time. Social media helps because I can sort of keep up with everyone and see how things are going for them. 
 
8. What are some things you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love being outside and going to hike trails at the different parks in Birmingham. I also love that I get to be around the game with my refereeing and that it allows me to give back. I enjoy watching other sports and just hanging out with friends. 
 
9. What advice would you have for the current student-athletes at AUM?
Absolutely cherish the friendships you make and keep in touch with the friends you make. I wish I would have done better of that right out of school. Also, don't take for granted all the fun things campus offers - athletics related or not. I realized how much AUM had going on and all the events you could go too, but it was essentially too late because I was a senior, so I only got to enjoy them for a short period of time. 
 
10. Anything else you would like to share with the AUM community?
Enjoy it!! Hands down, I love my career and what I do, but I would do anything to go back and not have to think about bills and budgeting as much as I do.