Coach Ashly Kennedy and local fans pose in excitement for the soccer season. Photo courtesy of DANIE Photography.
If I can do that here…connect with players…not just about soccer, but teach them life skills, that to me makes the world of difference. I think sport teaches you a lot about life in general and resilience and adversity and success and setbacks.” With years of soccer playing and coaching experience under her belt, the Annapolis native definitely knows a thing or two about grit. After earning a full scholarship to the University of Maryland, Kennedy received an All-American recognition and a spot on the Atlantic Coast Conference Freshman Team. However, the summer before her sophomore year, she tore her ACL—a devastating injury with a year-long recovery process. “That year was filled with ups and downs, but it ultimately
defined my resilience and character,” she recalled. “More importantly, it deepened my love for the game and taught me the value of leadership, support, and teamwork from a different role. The lessons I learned during that challenging time continue to shape who I am today—as a coach, a mentor, and a parent.” Kennedy has served as head coach at Christos FC, Archbishop Spalding High School, and Bethesda Soccer Club, as well as assistant women’s soccer coach at George Mason University. Among her many successes, winning the 2016 International Athletic Association of Maryland (IAAM) “A” Conference Championship stands out. During that time, Archbishop Spalding’s girls varsity team ranked #1 in the country for three consecutive weeks and broke McDonogh's 36-game winning streak.
APRIL 2025 | 41
Powered by FlippingBook