By: Kailyn Fradette

Veteran Kennedy Sawatzky is in her second season on the Briercrest College women’s basketball team. This spunky 5-foot-two player originates from Calgary, Alberta where she played on her high school team. She came to Briercrest right out of high school and has been a committed Briercrest athlete ever since. She is a wonderful presence on the team and leads her teammates by example in her academics and dedication on the court.

“Kennedy is a player who continues to better herself, and through her speed she pushes her teammates to go harder and faster,” women’s basketball head coach Chad Romanuk said. “She is quick to encourage and an invaluable teammate. She has grown so much as a person and as a basketball player. I see her as a leader on this team and I look forward to seeing how she continues to grow this year.”

Kennedy is in her second year of studies with a Biblical Studies major. She chose to study at Briercrest because she wanted a strong Biblical foundation for her faith and for her life.

“(I was) needing to know the Lord further through Bible classes and learning how to live out my faith while being a part of a team of other women who also love the Lord,” Kennedy said. Her love of basketball was another factor that led her to Briercrest.

Kennedy has many great memories during her time at Briercrest. Her favorite memory happened last year when hosting Red Deer College.

“The whole school came out to celebrate the win that the men’s basketball team had against Red Deer last year,” Kennedy said. “The school spirit was amazing and I was so excited to be a part of a school that loved and encouraged their sports teams.”

Kennedy loves her team this year. She describes her team as being “closer than any other team I have ever been on.”

She talks about the close friendships and the trust that she has with every person on her team. What makes them special is that her relationships with her teammates don’t end when they leave the court.

 “My teammates are my family here at school,” Kennedy said. “They keep me encouraged and show love to me every day. I have so many examples of what a godly woman looks like because they pour into me every day. I have made friends for life on this team. I love them all.”

Kennedy describes her greatest strength as her “joy that I have in life that comes only from God.”

This joy is evident on the court and any spectator can see the passion that she has for the game and for her team. She is often thought of as an encourager. Her teammates know her as a person that they can go to when they need reassurance and love. Kennedy’s example of joy is much appreciated by her coach and teammates.

In the future, Kennedy hopes to take her Biblical studies major and her love of the game and combine them in a ministry. She wants to partake in short-term missions trips where she can share the love of Jesus while teaching basketball skills to kids. Ultimately, her career ambition is to find a way where she can use her basketball skills to serve the Lord wholeheartedly.