Speed, Skill, Success: Kendall Coyne’s Hockey Story

In the women’s hockey world, Kendall Coyne has acted as a trailblazer for fellow women in the sport. Her career started on an outdoor rink in the suburbs of Chicago where many of her peers didn’t know what hockey was, let alone that a girl could play. Coyne was a multi-sport athlete with equal passion for baseball, basketball, track, softball, and hockey. However, her skating speed stood out among her peers and jump-started her impressive hockey career. 

Growing up, Coyne was one of few girls who loved hockey which resulted in her only option to play being in the boys league. Although she was a top player, Coyne had to climb her way to the top. She ended up going back and forth between leagues, being booted from the boys league due to their size, and having to work even harder to earn her spots on high-level teams. Many athletes may have seen these as setbacks or reasons to stop playing the sport, especially as one who is very athletically gifted across the board, but Coyne used it as motivation. 

Coyne got her first call to join Team USA’s U-18 team at the ripe age of 15. She took the role of the youngest player on that team. When she turned 18 she was invited to try out for the U.S. 2009-2010 Olympic Team. Although she did not make the team that year, she was able to go back to her home high school for her senior year and continue to work on her game. When 2011 came around she played in her first World Championship. After this, she continued her education and hockey career at Northeastern University in Boston. 

2019 brought Coyne’s defining moment. Coyne was picked as a participant in the Fastest Skater competition during the NHL All-Star Weekend. Finishing less than a second behind that years winner, Connor McDavid, this earned her the title of “the fastest woman in hockey.” Since this achievement she has played in more World Championships, become an Olympic Champion, been a leader for the Professional Women’s Hockey League, and was named captain of the PWHL team in Minnesota. Aside from her lengthy list of hockey accomplishments Coyne is also a published author of her book titled “As Fast As Her.” Because of this impressive list of achievements, Coyne earned herself a spot on the Forbes 30 under 30 list. 

Coyne’s story is an inspiration for women and girls everywhere that being a powerful woman in hockey is not impossible. Her journey shows resilience, determination and a passion for the game driving her excellence. From starting on an outdoor rink on the outskirts of Chicago to playing on the worlds biggest rinks, Coyne has come a long way in her hockey career. Her story consists of overcoming obstacles, breaking down barriers and blazing a trail for future female athletes. 

Kendall Coyne’s legacy leaves a profound impact in the women’s hockey world and she serves as an inspiration and role model to all girls lacing up. Her story is one of empowerment and strength, defying the odds against the stereotype of female hockey players. 

Information found on: https://kendallcoyne.com/about