In her junior and senior years at Catasauqua, Kenzie Bradley was recognized as one of the better track athletes in the Lehigh Valley with her prowess in the long jump, triple jump and relays.

As a result, Bradley earned a track scholarship to Bucknell University.

However, her first year wasn’t a momentous one. Bradley, a three-sports athlete at Catasauqua, soon realized both track and Bucknell weren’t good fits and shifted gears.

This winter, Bradley will be playing basketball at Franklin and Marshall University.

“Bucknell’s track program wasn’t what I expected,” she said. “I just didn’t fit in there. The team there dedicated all its time to track. I was used to playing other sports, and I missed it. With track all year long and classes, it was hard and I was uncomfortable.

“I looked into the possibility of playing basketball, and it worked out. I thought it would be too late for a transfer. But I spoke to some people at F&M and went for a visit. I spoke to the coach and she responded quickly and was super excited. I knew it was the right move.”

Bradley will begin classes in the fall at F&M, where her older brother, Zack, played football and recently graduated after he rewrote the passing records at Catasauqua.

Her brother has been a driving force in more ways than one. He was recently accepted to Georgetown Law School.

“I wanted to go to a bigger school than my brother,” mused Bradley. “I was always in his shadow. I wanted to go to a bigger school, but it didn’t work out.

“But he is my biggest role model. I saw how hard he worked in high school and college. It’s unbelievable and crazy that he is going to (Georgetown Law School). He has been a huge influence.”

The older Bradley sees a bright future ahead for his sister.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for her to be able to get a great education and play basketball,” he said. “I’m really excited to watch her compete on the court. I also am excited for her to have as great of an experience as I did at F&M.”

Bradley has been playing in a local summer league with a team comprised of Northampton Community College players, one being high school teammate Jade Biviano.

“It just has been so much fun,” said Bradley of the summer league. “I realized how much I missed basketball. I know it will be a good experience in the winter.”

Bradley, an Honor Mention Colonial League selection her last two years, paced her team in scoring her junior and senior seasons.

She will join a relatively young F&M team that graduated three seniors from last year’s 13-12 club.

“I lead my life at college for one year on my own,” said Bradley. “I believe I made the right decision,” she said. “It’s worth it.”