Peyton Kennedy ’25, Co-Captain of Girls Hockey, leads with unwavering dedication and serves as an inspiring role model both on and off the ice. Her relentless commitment to the sport, combined with her exceptional leadership, has made her an essential player her teammates continue to look up to, both for her skill and her work ethic. Kennedy will continue her hockey career at Middlebury College next year.
Kennedy’s sister, Lauren Kennedy ’28, inspired the now captain to begin playing hockey. Additionally, her mom, a former college athlete, played a significant role in her decision to pick up the sport.
“I started playing when I was seven years old. My younger sister actually got me into it because she wanted to play first. Then I was like, ‘Oh, I’ll do it’. My mom also played in college. So that was kind of a big thing for me,” said Kennedy.
Sienna Glass ’27 emphasized Kennedy’s role in fostering an inclusive team environment by building strong connections across all grades. Glass also highlighted that this inclusivity helps everyone feel supported and improves team chemistry.
“Considering Peyton has a freshman sister Lauren, she has experience with supporting the younger girls on the team already. She is also always there for everyone and knows how to make her teammates laugh and feel better. Having that connection to the younger girls because of her sister is also very important because they feel more included in the team culture, which is important for team chemistry,” said Glass.
As a two-year captain, Kennedy reflected on the purposeful atmosphere she and co-captain Molly Boyle ’25 have been able to create with more time. Kennedy focused specifically on their commitment to fostering a team dynamic where everyone feels valuable, regardless of their role.
“Molly and I were captains last year too, so we’ve been able to build upon what we did last year. We really want to have a team where no matter what grade everyone knows that they have a purpose, no matter what it is. If you play a lot or not a lot, everyone is valuable to the team. We really want everyone to push each other at practice every day,” said Kennedy.
Molly Driscoll ’25 praised Kennedy for her strong leadership and kindness. She added that Kennedy consistently checks in on her teammates personally, both on and off the ice, building deeper relationships with players.
“She is such a vocal and strong leader and I feel like she’s always checking in on people too personally not just on the ice but off the ice as well like she’s a really good friend and teammate off the ice,” said Driscoll.
Kennedy emphasized that energy is crucial not only on the ice but also on the bench. She noted that, with the team facing tougher opponents this season, maintaining that energy is key to the team’s success.
“Because a lot of our games we’re playing better teams now, so we might have to struggle on the bench, but even when that happens, the energy is always up. That’s really good to hear, because we need everyone in those types of tough games,” said Kennedy.
Glass praised Kennedy for her cheerful attitude and determination, noting that she leads with kindness. Kennedy’s dedication at every practice and game as well as her commitment to her role sets a powerful example for the team.
“Peyton has always been a very uplifting captain, so I would say she leads through her kindness. She has also always put in 110 percent and leads by great example. She hustles in every practice and game and never complains. She doesn’t take being a captain lightly and is always a great role model for everyone,” said Glass.
Finally, Glass commended Kennedy for her unwavering positivity and ability to lift the team’s spirits in tough situations. Whether facing a tough game or demanding drills, Kennedy always finds the silver lining in difficult situations, and keeps everyone motivated, taking responsibility and uniting the team when it needs it most.
“Peyton has never been a negative teammate and always finds something good in bad situations. Whether we are losing a game or our coach makes us do sprints, she is right in the line cheering everyone up. She also always takes responsibility and never blames anyone for negative situations. She knows we’re all a team and holds everyone together when we’re not feeling like ourselves. This makes her one of our most uplifting spirits and a great captain,” said Glass.
