Kendall Coyne Schofield on Longevity, Leadership, and Leaving the Game Better

In this episode of the USA Hockey Next Gen Podcast, Lyndsey Fry and Drew Shore sit down with Kendall Coyne Schofield as she prepares for her fourth Olympic Games. Kendall reflects on her development path with the Chicago Mission, her collegiate experience at Northeastern, and how speed became a defining part of her game. She shares advice for young players, emphasizing fearlessness, skill development, and enjoying the daily process. Kendall also discusses leadership evolution within Team USA, embracing roles in short international tournaments, and the importance of recovery later in her career. The conversation addresses her experience as a new mother, her role in the growth of the PWHL, and her goal of continuing to create opportunities for the next generation of girls in hockey.

Key Points From This Episode:

[00:00:00] Lyndsey Fry discusses coaching mindset, development, and avoiding burnout late in the season.

[00:01:37] Drew Shore introduces Kendall Coyne Schofield and her longevity heading into a fourth Olympics.

[00:07:51] Kendall reflects on her development with the Chicago Mission and the importance of strong coaching and competition.

[00:09:07] Advice for young players on improving speed through edge work and pushing comfort zones.

[00:10:29] Kendall explains why education played a major role in choosing Northeastern University.

[00:11:45] Motivation behind writing her book As Fast As Her and closing gaps in representation.

[00:13:30] How becoming a parent reshaped Kendall’s perspective on hockey and life.

[00:17:28] Evolution of leadership through learning from past Team USA leaders.

[00:19:03] Embracing roles in short international tournaments as a key to team success.

[00:21:18] Excitement about Olympic Village camaraderie and watching other sports.

[00:23:43] Focusing on internal standards and style of play as Team USA’s biggest Olympic challenge.

[00:24:52] Importance of recovery and body care later in a long career.

[00:27:15] Kendall discusses PWHL playoff success and the value of strong goaltending depth.

[00:28:56] Impact of the upcoming PWHL draft class and future growth of the league.

[00:29:55] Vision for continued evolution of women’s professional hockey.

[00:32:56] Kendall’s focus on living in the present and giving back to the game.

[00:35:12] Advice to young girls: prioritize fun, growth, and surrounding yourself with the right people.

[00:39:20] Coaching lessons centered on caring about players as people first.

[00:47:05] Lyndsey Fry reflects on Kendall’s leadership growth and long-term advocacy for women’s hockey.

Links:

USA Hockey - ⁠⁠usahockey.com

Drew Shore - ⁠drewshore.com

Lindsey Fry - ⁠⁠fryhockey.com/%E2%81%A0

Kendall Coyne - instagram.com/kendallcoyne26