Gabbard nearing 20 seasons supporting Hilltopper softball
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A day out at the ballpark features many sights and sounds, and at the WKU Softball Complex, you’re guaranteed to hear every game from Section C, Seat D9.
That’s where Kenny Gabbard has sat to support the Hilltoppers over the last 19 seasons.
“I just enjoy watching them play,” Gabbard said. “If you come and watch them play, it’s exciting…You see plays out there that major leaguers make, I mean, they slide on their belly, they jump, they’re fun to watch.”
Gabbard was introduced to WKU softball nearly two decades ago through highlights on his television, and all it took was one trip to the field to get hooked on the Hilltoppers.
Now, every home game, and even some away games, you can hear his distinct chants.
“I think any kind of cheering is a good thing. You want people to support you as a student-athlete, and I think they enjoy that and they enjoy the snacks he brings as well,” WKU softball head coach Amy Tudor said.
Despite being a longtime Warren County resident and former WKU student, Gabbard has no ties to the team, but his constant positivity from year to year brings a deeper connection with the players, staff and family members.
“A lot of the freshmen when they come in, and some of the new parents, that’s the first thing they ask me, ‘Whose grandfather are you?’ They’re all mine. I take them all in,” Gabbard said.
“He’s always positive and I think that’s a big part of being a great fan,” Tudor said. “You know, they’re 18 to 22 years old and they have more than just X’s and O’s on their table. I think he treats them kind of like his granddaughters. I think that’s a cool way to have someone as part of your program and we’re very grateful for him.
There are just three more home matchups in 2026 for Western with Kennesaw State in town this coming weekend.
While there will be plenty of noise on the diamond, the stands will have that familiar ring to them as well.
“If you hadn’t seen them play, come out and watch them… [You] can sit right up there, Row D Seat 9. That’s where you’ll see me, eating peanuts,” Gabbard said.
