Kendie Hudson hoped to return to Cecil County to teach and coach. Her dreams were realized quickly. Just a few months removed from Elizabethtown College graduation, Hudson accepted a math teaching position at North East High and is the head varsity field hockey coach for the Indians. Hudson, a 2011 graduate of Perryville High, played field hockey all four seasons at Elizabethtown, which is located in Lancaster County, Pa. She was a team captain in her junior and senior seasons. Hudson was a second team All-Conference selection as a junior and earned a Landmark Conference sportsmanship award as a senior. Hudson played a different position each year for the Blue Jays and coach Brandy Michael. She began her collegiate career as a left midfielder and played left back as a sophomore. In her junior season, Hudson played left back before moving to the center as a senior where she was asked to take on a playmaking role while helping to anchor a defense that recorded five shutouts. "Coach told me I filled whatever role she needed to fill," Hudson said. She says her versatility will help her be a better coach. "It helps a lot," she said. "Being so versatile as a player helps me understand the difficulties of playing each position. It gives me a more in-depth understanding of each position. Hudson served as vice president of Elizabethtown's Student Athletic Association Committee (SAAC) and as a member of the Landmark Conference SAAC. She represented Elizabethtown at the 2015 NCAA conference and was a student-athlete mentor. While at Perryville High, Hudson was a four-year varsity performer in both field hockey and softball and a captain for two seasons in both sports. She also played basketball for two seasons and ran indoor track one winter. Hudson says five coaches have played an integral role in her career. Jess Dixon, Janet Candy, and Kelsey Schuch coached Hudson at Perryville. Schuch is now an assistant coach under Hudson at North East. "All three of them taught me how much it meant to play at Perryville, and the opportunities I could have going forward," Hudson said. "They encouraged me to play in college. I'm trying to model them now." Hudson also credits North Bay Field Hockey Club coach Ned Davis and her college coach, Michael. "She taught me how to be a leader without force," Hudson said. Michael says Hudson will thrive as a coach. “Kendie was a great player and leader at Elizabethtown,” Michael said. “She left her mark. I think she will be an amazing coach. She will help to make her players better on and off the field. She will be a great role model. She is caring and compassionate and loves the sport.” While earning her Elizabethtown degree in mathematics secondary education, Hudson spent the summers working as a mathematician at Aberdeen Test Center. In December, 2014, she applied for math positions in Cecil County Public Schools and accepted the North East High job in July. It's been a hectic few weeks for Hudson, but she says she is fortunate to have assistant coaches like Schuch, Caitlan Gartland and Lauren Fisher to lean on. Hudson will be just four years older than some of her players, which she says will be to her benefit. "It's easier for them to relate to me," Hudson said. "It wasn't long ago I was in their shoes. It makes it difficult sometimes to earn respect, in general, but if you respect them, they'll respect you. If you show them you care, they'll respect you and listen." Hudson's arrival in North East will ramp up the rivalry with Perryville. "I'm really, really excited," she said. "I'm excited to be an Indian." When the two teams meet October 8, Hudson will see a familiar face in the Perryville lineup. Her sister, Claire, is a member of the Panthers' squad. "It will be a little weird coaching against Claire," Kendie acknowledged. "When I was offered the job, she was the first person I asked about it, and she supported me right away." Claire is looking forward to seeing her sister on the sideline. "Kendie has coached me my whole life, so I know she's a great coach," Claire said. "Those girls are so lucky to have her. It will be weird playing against her. We've always been so competitive so it will be a fun one to watch." Kendie Hudson said she is grateful for the support she has received from Claire and the rest of her family, father Ken, mother Krysia, and brother Jake. “I want to thank them for the constant support and love throughout this process and in my life in total. I would not be where I am today without them.” Where she is today is precisely where she hoped she would be. "The biggest thing is I'm excited," she said. "I've dreamt about wanting to do this. I knew I wanted to come back and coach and teach in Cecil County. It's a big part of who I am. The community and the county means a lot to me and I hope it means the same to others. I want to make a difference where I'm from." Comments are closed.
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