Good GOAL! Hockey official Kendall Hanley ’04 takes the ice at the Beijing Olympics BY JONATHAN ADOLPH
H
ockey fans eagerly tuned in to the Olympics last February to see the much-anticipated gold medal matchup between the top-ranked women’s teams from the United States and Canada. But no one was paying closer attention than Kendall Hanley ’04. As a linesperson for the international four-woman officiating crew, Hanley was on the ice with whistle in hand for the thrilling (some might say heartbreaking) 3–2 Canadian victory. As with other Olympians, Hanley’s rise to the pinnacle of international sport was a multiyear journey that demanded perseverance, hard work, and personal sacrifice. Having reached the top of her profession with a cohort of other women who now officiate hockey at every level
short of the National Hockey League, she continues to break barriers in her new position as manager of officiating for the North American Hockey League, a top junior league. Still, working the Olympics was a particular thrill. “It’s just such an honor and a privilege to be able to do what you love, and do it at the highest level,” explains Hanley, who was one of 22 women officials selected for Beijing. “It’s amazing what you get out of it: camaraderie, working together as a team, and serving the game. Those are all the things that as a player, you think, This is why I do this.” And Hanley knows well the joys of being a player, having transferred her junior year from North Carolina to skate with the Wildcats (she also played volleyball, soccer, and softball at Williston). Determined to compete at the
