Kennedy Kane

Kennedy Kane is only in eighth grade, but she already radiates a level of drive, wisdom, and thoughtfulness that might make you think you’re talking to someone a bit older. A standout student-athlete at Shepherd Middle School, Kennedy is known not just for her talent in sports but for her leadership and character both on and off the field. As she moves through middle school, she’s laying the groundwork for what is sure to be an exciting and inspiring future.

Kennedy plays three sports—softball, volleyball, and basketball—and each one brings out different aspects of her personality. Softball is her true love, and it shows. “Softball is probably my favorite, but basketball is really close. Volleyball? Not so much,” she laughs. As much as Kennedy enjoys being active, it’s clear that sports aren’t just about the games. For her, it’s the relationships, the team spirit, and the lessons learned along the way that matter most.

For instance, Kennedy talks about volleyball’s crazy energy—the celebrations after every dig and spike, the handshakes, and the camaraderie. “Volleyball is all about lifting each other up. Every little moment is celebrated,” she says. “It’s a wonderful way to live life, really.” That kind of positivity is something Kennedy carries with her into everything she does, whether she’s on the field, court, or just hanging out with friends.

But don’t be fooled by the fun and games. Kennedy is as serious about sports as she is about her academic future. She’s been playing travel softball since she was eight years old, currently competing with the Rockford Wildcats, a team she’s sticking with for now as she heads into high school. But high school will bring changes, and Kennedy is excited but cautious. “I don’t know how high school will work with winter sports and all that,” she admits. “But I’ll figure it out.”

Kennedy plays shortstop and pitcher in softball, two positions that require a lot of mental and physical toughness. “The ball comes fast,” she says with a grin. And it’s not just the game that’s fast—life is speeding by, and Kennedy is looking ahead to her high school years, filled with dreams and decisions. “I want to play softball in high school and maybe beyond. I haven’t decided yet.”

As a student, Kennedy excels in the classroom just as much as she does on the field. Her favorite subjects are literature and language arts, where she loves to dive into reading—though her book tastes have recently shifted from Holocaust history to romance novels, which she says was quite the genre jump. But Kennedy is also passionate about history, thanks to her early interest in Abraham Lincoln and, more recently, documentaries about WWII she’s watched with her dad. “It all started when I watched a documentary with my dad, and I just wanted to learn more.”

Family plays a big role in Kennedy’s life. She talks fondly about her two older sisters and her nephew Grayson, who’s like a little brother to her. “Grayson is almost three, and he always wants to do whatever I’m doing,” she says. “He wants to dribble the basketball or hit off the tee just like me. It’s pretty special to feel like a mentor to him.” Grayson, who calls her “Kenny,” has clearly chosen Kennedy as his role model, and Kennedy takes that responsibility seriously.

When it comes to role models of her own, Kennedy points to her father, who has coached her in travel softball since she was young. “He’s always pushed me harder than the rest of the team,” she says, grateful for the tough love. “It’s made me better, and I’m thankful for that.” Her father’s influence extends beyond sports; he’s instilled in her a strong work ethic and the belief that academics are just as important as athletics. “You can’t play sports if you have bad grades,” Kennedy says, echoing a mantra that many student-athletes know well.

But sports, to Kennedy, is about more than just the wins and losses. “It’s all about building character,” she says. “You learn so much from losing. It’s not about saying, ‘I’m bad, I should give up.’ It’s about going home, practicing, and getting better for next time.” That attitude of resilience, self-improvement, and teamwork defines Kennedy’s approach to both sports and life. “Even if you’re better than someone else, you use how good you are to make them better.”

With that kind of mindset, it’s no wonder Kennedy’s friends and teammates describe her as a goofy, smart, and kind friend, who is always willing to share the spotlight and lift others up. “You win as a team, you lose as a team,” she says simply.

As Kennedy looks ahead to high school, she’s dreaming big but staying grounded. “For a while, I thought I wanted to be a lawyer, but I don’t want to sit in an office all day,” she says with a laugh. She’s also thought about becoming a veterinarian, thanks to her love of animals—especially her dogs, Gracie and Jack. “I haven’t decided yet,” she admits, “but I have time.”

One thing’s for sure—whatever Kennedy Kane chooses to pursue, she’s going to do it with the same heart, hustle, and determination that has already made her such a standout at Shepherd Middle School. Whether on the softball field, in the classroom, or as a role model to her young nephew, Kennedy is already showing the world what true leadership looks like.