Born and raised in Missouri, Kendall is a long way from home, though she has New York City roots. Her father was a lifeguard & swim instructor here in NYC back in the late 70's & early 80's. His passion for swimming was instilled in her when the family would take many vacations to the Caribbean. Her father had one rule: "No doggy-paddling allowed!" By the time she was eight-years-old, Kendall was swimming at her club swim team and went on to swim for her varsity team all four years of high school. One of her main goals in life is to one day make a safe space for adults to learn how to swim and to help those with a fear of the water to learn how to overcome and love it as much as she does.