Kendall Coyne Schofield is an exceptional hockey player, not only as a three-time Olympian and former U.S. captain, but also as a proud new mother. After her leave of absence from the national team a year ago, there were doubts about her ability to return to competitive play. However, driven to prove them wrong, she is now preparing for the debut season of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), with her six-month-old son, Drew, by her side.
For Coyne Schofield, being a mother and an elite athlete are not mutually exclusive. She views her return to hockey as a fresh start, rather than an end. Rejecting the notion that motherhood halts a career, she is determined to show her son that he was never the reason for her hiatus from hockey—on the contrary, he is the very reason she continues to pursue her passion for the sport.
She is not alone in this journey. Coyne Schofield joins a distinguished group of female athletes who have returned to competition after giving birth, including tennis star Serena Williams, Olympic swimmer Dara Torres, and soccer stars Alex Morgan and Natalie Spooner. The landscape of women’s sports is evolving, and the PWHL is setting a new standard by providing support for new mothers, offering maternity leave as well as the provision of a nanny for players’ children through their first birthday.
This support has had a profound impact on Coyne Schofield, who was visibly moved upon learning of the league’s dedication to aiding mothers in balancing their careers and family life. It has allowed her to imagine a future where women do not have to choose between having a career and having a family. As she articulates, “I may be able to play hockey a lot longer. I don’t have to decide between having a kid and having a career. I can have both.”
For the PWHL’s general manager Natalie Darwitz, this endeavour transcends hockey. It’s about challenging societal norms and establishing an environment where women can excel both in their professional careers and as mothers. Denying mothers the opportunity to pursue their professional aspirations is not only unjust but also a missed opportunity for development and advancement.
Support for women reentering sports after childbirth should be an undeniable aspect, not one to be questioned. As Toronto PWHL coach Troy Ryan aptly states, “We should be creating an environment where they have every opportunity to play at the highest level possible. And if we don’t provide those opportunities, we should be ashamed of ourselves.”
Coyne Schofield’s return to hockey is not without challenges. She has had to adapt to balancing her demanding training and recovery schedule with the responsibilities of a new mother. Her son’s eagerness to play upon her return home energizes her, even when she is tired, bringing her pure joy and a sense of fulfillment.
In sharing her story, Coyne Schofield aims to inspire other women to pursue their dreams, both on and off the ice. Her dedication to her career and her family sets a compelling example, and her determination to perform at her best is a testament to the strength and resilience of mothers everywhere.
As the PWHL prepares for its first season, Coyne Schofield’s comeback to hockey is not only a personal triumph but also a win for mothers in sports. It signifies a significant step towards establishing an inclusive and supportive environment for women athletes. Whether on the ice or off, Coyne Schofield’s journey is not exclusively about hockey; it’s about advocating for motherhood and paving the way for future generations of female athletes.