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6/2/2025 3:09:00 PM

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It turns out that sometimes what you read on Facebook is true. A rumor that started in a Facebook fan group has been confirmed by another source. Two-time All-American outfielder Dakota Kennedy has put her name into the transfer portal.

Kennedy has not made a public statement about transferring, but the previously unverified reports circulated all weekend.

Kennedy becomes the ninth Wildcat to go into the portal after the season. While the other eight were understandable from a playing time perspective and were unlikely to be huge blows from a production standpoint, nothing could be further from the truth about Kennedy.

Kennedy has appeared in 151 games and made 147 starts. She has improved in almost all old-fashioned offensive stats. Her batting average has gone up each year. Her strikeouts have gone down. Her home runs went down this year, but her slugging percentage went up because she used her speed to get four triples.

Her craftiness in the box cannot be overstated. Her ability to use the short game and her speed are intensified by the double-digit home runs she hit in each of her first two seasons. The knowledge of when to do what seems innate, although it undoubtedly takes hard work.

While she didn’t have NCAA qualifying stats this season due to an injury, she picked up just where she left off when she returned. The only difference was wearing a sliding glove on her hand and perhaps fewer dives in the outfield on defense.

Kennedy has been an NFCA All-American the past two years. She was a Rawlings Gold Glove outfielder in 2024. She has been all-conference in both the Pac-12 and Big 12 for her entire career. She was a CSC Academic All-American last year and is in the running again this year.

Arizona has not had a star transfer out of the program since Sharlize Palacios after the 2022 season. Kennedy is an even bigger blow, though. Her production has been consistent. She has been the leadoff hitter for two years. When her offense and defense are combined, few in the game are bigger threats.

There are bigger issues, as well. Palacios left a year after a head coaching change. That’s not uncommon. A player may give a new coach a year then decide to leave. That’s not the case this time, though. Kennedy was a member of Caitlin Lowe’s first recruiting class.

Her decision to leave also brings up other questions. Most of those revolve around the why and the repercussions.

There seemed to be few reasons for Kennedy to go. In school, she carries a 4.0 GPA and is headed into her senior year. Her playing time is not in question. Her personal achievements are not, either. Over her three-year career, she probably has more personal accolades than anyone else on the team.

From a family perspective, hers was never one that caused public drama. They’ve been supportive and positive. Her younger sister, a 2027 pitching recruit, was tagging Arizona pitching coach Christian Conrad with her stats as late as Wednesday, May 28. In short, there did not seem to be family reasons to move on.

The team’s achievements might carry more weight, though. The Wildcats have a lot of wins, but they have had not gotten over the hump when it comes to putting up new banners. The team has not won a conference title since 2017.

As a senior, Kennedy’s chances of getting a national title or even a conference title with her team are dwindling. Arizona would have to make huge additions in the transfer portal to be a team that can get to the Women’s College World Series next year, let alone win it. That was true even before the previous eight went into the portal. Even winning the Big 12 will be difficult without some high-profile players coming in, especially in the circle.

There are also dwindling chances for Kennedy to make good money in the NIL or revenue sharing markets. While the opportunities in professional softball are increasing with the addition of a new league, the ability to support oneself let alone make a good income is still far easier at the college level.

Lead photo by Ryan Kelapire

As the world of Name, Image, and Likeness in college sports continues to evolve into what its next era will look like, one company is at the forefront of how social media is going to fit into the puzzle.

In a development that is the first of its kind, MOGL — who describes itself as the leading athlete influencer marketing and platform — has released “NIL Feed,” a community driven social media feed which is dedicated directly to NIL related updates.

Completed deals will be showcased for athletes and fans interested in getting the news, but MOGL App 2.0 is also going to use AI to be able to connect athletes with potential NIL opportunities.

“NIL Feed is about pulling back the curtain,” said Ayden Syal, CEO of MOGL. “We built it to give athletes the visibility they’ve been asking for—to see how other athletes are succeeding, and to learn how to maximize their own earning potential. It’s about inspiration, education, and community—all in one place.”

NIL Feed will allow athletes to be able to see the opportunities they can create for themselves by displaying deals that have been completed, but MOGL App 2.0 is going to allow them to capitalize on those opportunities.

“We believe that transparency and access drive not just better outcomes, but a stronger, more connected athlete community,” said Matthew Himelstein, CPTO of MOGL. “With MOGL App 2.0 we’re using AI to break down barriers and deliver on our mission: empowering every athlete to build their brand and unlock new opportunities.”

Transparency is a massive part of the new developments, but so is efficiency. With a one-stop shop like this, the game could be changed for athletes looking to cash in.

MOGL App 2.0 is downloadable on any device and live on the app store, and NIL Feed has officially been launched as well.

BOCA RATON, Fla. – Florida Atlantic’s men basketball will participate in the eight-team Sunshine Slam Tournament, held from November 24-25 at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Fla. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased on Ticketmaster.com.
 
The Owls are part of the four-team Beach Bracket, which also includes George Mason, Loyola Marymount and Ohio. Two semifinal games will take place on Monday, Nov. 24, with the championship game as well as a consolation matchup on Tuesday, Nov. 25. All-Tournament teams will be selected following the conclusion.
 
Matchups and schedules will be announced at a later date, with CBS Sports Network broadcasting all four games featuring teams in the Beach Bracket.
 
The Owls have been regular participants in November tournaments over the past three seasons, winning the ESPN Events Invitational at Walt Disney World in 2023 and then taking part in the 2024 Shriners Children’s Charleston Classic the following season.
 
Head Coach John Jakus, entering his second season at the helm of Florida Atlantic’s program, led the Owls to an 18-16 record during the 2024-25 campaign that culminated in a berth in the NIT, the team’s fourth straight season with a postseason appearance.
 
Tickets may be purchased in advance at Ticketmaster.com or on the day of competition at the Ocean Center box office.
 
PARTICIPATING TEAMS
THE BEACH BRACKET
Florida Atlantic
George Mason
Loyola Marymount
Ohio
 
THE OCEAN BRACKET
Bethune-Cookman
Jacksonville
Pacific
Stony Brook

ABOUT THE GAZELLE GROUP
The Gazelle Group is a sports marketing firm, specializing in event production and management, client representation, and sponsorship consulting. Gazelle produces numerous nationally recognized college sports events, such as the Empire Classic, Legends Classic, Gotham Classic, Sunshine Slam, College Basketball Invitational, Kwik Trip Holiday Face-Off, Deacon-Wolverine Challenge, Boardwalk Battle, Jersey Jam, and Holiday Hoopfest as well as on-campus events at Duke, Kentucky, Ohio State, Marquette and other institutions across the country. For more information on the Gazelle Group, please visit gazellegroup.com.
 
FOLLOW THE OWLS
To stay up to date on all things FAU men’s basketball, follow the Owls on social media @FAUMBB.