Borud comes to FGCU from Iowa Western CC, where she hit .454 with 24 home runs and 90 RBIs in 2025. After her stellar season, she was named the IACCAC Offensive Player of the Year, to the IACCAC All-Region First Team, and a NJCAA Second Team All-American. She was also selected to the President’s Honor Roll.

She played at Southeast Polk HS for head coach Tia Stiles. As a senior, Borud hit .431 with a .506 OBP, ten homers and 56 RBIs. Borud played club for coach Alicia Baler with Iowa Gold.

The daughter of Molly and Doug Borud, Kennedy has one brother, Cade. Her father, Doug, played hockey at Iowa State, and her brother, Cade, played football at Iowa and North Dakota. Before focusing solely on softball, Borud played hockey until she was 12 years old.