Izzy Kemp didn’t come to the University of Dayton to choose between engineering and softball — she came to do both.
A mechanical engineering major and record-setting softball pitcher, Kemp has shaped her UD experience through a balance of academic rigor, athletic excellence and a commitment to growth.
Her interest in engineering began early through hands-on learning opportunities.
“I was in Girl Scouts and went to one of their women in STEM events when I was younger. And I just really loved the engineering activities,” Kemp said.
That curiosity deepened as she connected engineering to her own life. Growing up around her father, a paraplegic athlete who competed in wheelchair basketball, she saw how innovation of prosthetics and mobility equipment can expand independence and opportunities for those with disabilities.
“Seeing the athletes compete and adapt in so many ways to their different abilities was really eye-opening,” she said.
Her academic interests have also been shaped by her mother, a physical therapist, who introduced her to biomechanics and the science behind movement.
“She's the one that really piqued my interest in biomechanics. She was always making sure that my form wasn't gonna hurt me, or my effort was streamlined to get the most effective pitch.”
At UD, Kemp chose to major in mechanical engineering and minor in human biomechanics and movement, a path that allows her to explore how engineering can support and enhance the human body.
Her decision to become a Flyer was rooted in finding a place where she could pursue both of her passions fully. UD’s strong support system for student-athletes in demanding majors made that possible.
“I was definitely looking for the school that was gonna let me do both softball and engineering,” Kemp said.
That support reflects a defining aspect of a Dayton education: a commitment to community. Kemp’s days are filled with classes, lifting, practices and homework, but she’s grateful for the people around her — teammates who are also engineering majors, classmates and professors — who help contribute to her success.
Kemp has found encouragement in those who understand the demands of her path. That sense of belonging has helped her navigate challenges, from rigorous coursework to limited access to traditional academic resources due to her athletic schedule, including not being able to attend regularly scheduled professor office hours because of practices or games.
Kemp’s hard work has not gone unnoticed. She recently won the Presidential Outstanding Student-Athlete award, one of UD’s highest honors recognizing excellence in the classroom and in competition.
“Softball is hard and engineering is hard, so to be recognized for my achievements was awesome,” she said.
Her professors recognize her hard work, too.
“I’ve taught countless student-athletes, many of whom have been exceptional engineering students while balancing the rigorous demands of college athletics,” said Dr. Kim Bigelow, mechanical engineering professor in the award nomination letter for Kemp. “What I’m not used to is the level of effort, engagement, dedication, and leadership Izzy displayed in my courses. She blurred the line between student and athlete, using what she learned in class to elevate her performance on the field, while using her athletic experience to elevate her own learning and that of her peers.”
On the field, Kemp has also left her mark in the record books. She holds both the single-season and career strikeout records at UD, a milestone she reached without realizing how close she was at the time.
“I had no clue, but I broke both the same day,” she said.
As Kemp prepares for graduation, her journey reflects the integration of knowledge, purpose and community that defines a UD education. She has embraced the call to use her talents in service of others and accepted a position as a manufacturing engineer at Cook Medical.
