News Summary

Carson High School’s standout pitcher, Kendal Sifford, has committed to play baseball at Catawba College. The 6-foot-3 athlete had an impressive high school season, earning awards and praise for his skills on the mound. As he transitions into college, he aims to further develop his talents while majoring in business. The Carson community is excited about his future in both academics and athletics.

Exciting News for Carson, North Carolina: Kendal Sifford to Join Catawba College Baseball!

Carson High School in China Grove is celebrating the bright future of one of its senior stars, Kendal Sifford. This right-handed pitcher has committed to play baseball at Catawba College, and what an incredible journey it has been!

From High School Standout to College Recruit

Sifford, towering at 6-foot-3 and weighing 180 pounds, has made quite the name for himself on the diamond. Despite facing some challenges with gaining and maintaining weight, he jokes that he needs to “pick up a fork more often.” However, recent reports show that he’s made progress and even gained five pounds since the end of the American Legion baseball season.

This fall, he will be pitching for the Carson Cougars in the area high school fall league, as he gears up for his exciting new chapter. Sifford is now the fourth member from the talented 2025 Rowan Legion squad to commit to the Catawba baseball program, joining athletes from South Rowan and West Rowan, all expected to make waves in the fall of 2026.

A Stellar Season

During this past high school season, Sifford’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. He garnered the titles of both the 2025 South Piedmont Conference Pitcher of the Year and Rowan County Pitcher of the Year. What’s more impressive is his record of 9-3 with a jaw-dropping ERA of 1.20. This is quite a transformation from his sophomore year’s 2-2 record. His hard work and maturity developed in the offseason have certainly paid off.

Playing for the Cougars, Sifford pitched an impressive six complete games, showcasing his skills time and time again. Remarkably, he has joined an exclusive club with only one other Carson player, Owen White, who has Major League Baseball experience, having also earned these prestigious awards.

Moreover, Sifford didn’t shy away from the spotlight, finishing up his Rowan County Legion season with a solid 8-3 record, proving his competitive spirit. One of his standout performances came during the playoffs, where he delivered a dominating performance against High Point to secure a crucial win for his team.

Growth as a Player

Sifford’s journey has also included learning new pitches that have expanded his arsenal. Under the guidance of his pitching coach at Carson, he mastered the slider, which serves as a perfect addition to his established four-pitch repertoire. Scouts have taken note of Sifford’s ability to maintain low pitch counts and his impressive control on the mound, qualities that caught the eyes of Catawba coaches during his summer pitching sessions.

Adding to the lineage of incredible athletes in his family, Sifford’s grandfather, Claude Morris “CM” Yates, played both football and baseball at East Rowan and Catawba. Perhaps this talent runs in the family!

Looking Ahead to Catawba College

As he transitions to his college career, Kendal Sifford has his sights set on majoring in business, but make no mistake—his focus will remain on honing his baseball talents. It’s expected that as he continues to mature physically, he will increase his pitching velocity, contributing not just to Catawba’s team but potentially making waves in the baseball community down the line.

With all that said, the future looks bright for Kendal Sifford. His commitment to Catawba College is just the beginning of what promises to be an inspiring journey for this aspiring athlete. The community of Carson is undoubtedly proud, and the excitement for his next steps is palpable!

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