Ladies Lineup - Kendall Coyne Schofield
Meira Waldstreicher
In anticipation of the kickoff for the PWHL launch on January 1st, each day I will highlight a PWHL personality.
At three years old, Kendall Coyne Schofield first stepped onto the ice in Palos Heights, Illinois, with figure skates. She lasted a week with the toe-picks. She developed an interest in hockey, sparked by watching her older brother play. Kendall began playing alongside the boys, facing scrutiny due to her gender. Through the adversity, her passion for the sport prevailed, and she remained determined.
During high school, she played for several Chicago-based teams, including the Mission, and excelled in three international tournaments, earning silver and gold in the WJC-18s. Valuing her education, she attended The Berkshire School for an extra year to boost her chances of attending a top college while also clinching gold at her first Women’s Worlds.
Her path led her to Northeastern University posting incredible numbers each season. She competed in the 2014 Olympics despite grappling with wrist issues. Advised by the strength coach to go back home to rehab, she met the love of her life, NFL offensive guard Michael Schofield in the gym. Their bond strengthened, and the following year, Kendall stood by his side as he triumphed in the Super Bowl with the Broncos. During her senior year, Kendall received the prestigious Patty Kazmaier Award for Top Female Collegiate Player, showcasing her talent with an impressive eighty-four points in thirty-seven games. Concurrently, she earned an internship in the media relations department with the Chicago Blackhawks. Also, throughout her college career, she participated in four additional World Championships, culminating in three gold and one silver medal triumphs.
After Northeastern, she continued her journey, contributing twelve crucial points in the U.S.’s victory at another Worlds tournament. The subsequent year marked a historic moment as she played a pivotal role in securing the first Olympic gold for the red, white, and blue in two decades. She tied the knot with Michael in July before embarking on her professional career with the Minnesota Whitecaps. The Isobel Cup graced her debut season and also clinched another gold medal at the IIHF tournament.
In 2019, Kendall achieved groundbreaking feats by becoming the first woman to participate in the All-Star Skills Competition, clocking an impressive 14.346 seconds in the fast skater event. Adding to her list of milestones, she contributed as an analyst on the first-ever broadcast team for the NHL on NBC, as a feature for International Women’s Day. Simultaneously, Kendall was hired once again for the Chicago Blackhawks as the team’s youth hockey grow specialist and a player development coach — the first woman to hold this position. As a part of the youth initiative, she in partnership with the Hawks created the successful Golden Coynes hockey camp for girls.
Kendall continued to excel on the international stage, securing a silver in the 2021 Worlds. She also played in the Beijing Olympics, where despite a hard-fought final against Team Canada, she claimed silver, followed by yet another second place at the WC tournament.
Her most recent stint was with Team Adidas before she embraced a new chapter as a mother. Amidst the pivotal negotiations for a new league, Kendall stood alongside the core group working on the CBA, Her dedication was unwavering, even as she welcomed her son, Drew, a mere day before the CBA was ratified.
Can’t wait to watch one of the U.S.’s best realize her dream in Minnesota!