Syd Kennedy Sums Up an Unforgettable Gator Experience
Saturday, October 22, 2022 | Soccer
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By: Asia Cymone Smith
Some experiences are irreplaceable. That's how Sydney Kennedy feels about her time as a Gator. As her journey at Florida comes close to an end, Kennedy reminisces on the memories she has made that will follow her throughout her life. These include valuable skills she learned as a teammate, student and leader to those around her. As she continues shining in practice and games, Kennedy solidifies her legacy in her senior season with Florida. Syd Kennedy's athletic career includes being an award-winning ice hockey player before focusing on soccer.
From the start, Kennedy couldn't have been more satisfied with her decision to get her college experience down south. While it may be far from her home in Nova Scotia, she felt secure in Florida, as her family has always taken annual vacations to the state. Additionally, she has always admired the family atmosphere that the Gators maintain throughout the athletic department. She says that representing Florida is "a surreal experience".
"It's impossible to put into words how incredible it is to be a part of something so special. Such a small percentage of people get to represent a school like Florida at such a high level", says Kennedy. "And I wake up every day grateful that I get to be a part of this. I've made lifelong friends that I'll probably stay in contact with the rest of my life… and the memories I've made, I'll cherish forever."
While Kennedy has enjoyed moments with her team from every season at Florida, this year seems extra special. With the new soccer facility up and running, the senior enjoys being able to spend time with the team in the lounge. "We haven't had a place to just chill and do our thing for the last few years. So team meals and watching movies in the locker room and having the coaches around allows us to get to know them better… I think that, honestly, those have been some of my favorite memories since I've been here," she says.
Overall, Kennedy strives to make the most out of every moment she gets to spend playing during her remaining time as a Gator. "The thought of [soccer] coming to an end, in a way, is very intimidating and very sad. It just makes you want to squeeze every ounce of joy that you can from every single day," she says.
And the bonds that have grown between athletes and coaches this year gave Kennedy a lot to enjoy. "[The coaches] clicked with the team right off the bat and it just keeps getting better and better. And I'm just excited to be a part of a really special team with a good dynamic going," says Kennedy.
Kennedy's ultimate goal is to finish her collegiate soccer career without regrets. She has worked hard to be a valuable member of the program and leave an impression on everyone around her. "I want to make an impact on my teammates, coaches and I want to be a great teammate and leader on this team," says Kennedy.
She's has done just that. Coach Bohon took note of Kennedy's influence early in the season.
"I think she leads in multiple ways," Bohon said. "I think Syd sets the tone for the work rate in training. She's also been a great leader off the field as well."
Kennedy's approach on leadership comes from lessons she has learned over the years from previous leaders on the team. "Everyone needs something different. So I think it's important to get to know everyone's personality so that you can lead everyone the way they need to be led," she says. Her ultimate goal is to allow all of her teammates, especially the underclassmen, to feel valued. She has no problem taking on this responsibility in order to improve the team's dynamic this year.
As Kennedy's soccer season concludes, she reminisces on the impact the staff has made on her Florida experience. Firstly, Kennedy says she is "forever grateful" for coaches Becky Burleigh, Vic Campbell and Alan Kirkup who gave her the opportunity to join Gator Nation as a freshman. Today, she cherishes the current coaching staff of Samantha Bohon, Josie Rix, Adam Godwin, Jack Rushworth and Maria Schmiedhofer, whom she says, "make all of us feel valued, make us feel special and just help us find the joy in soccer. I can't thank them enough for the impact they've made on my life." Also, Kennedy's strength and conditioning coach Karin Werth and athletic trainer Connie Andrews both provided emotional support through all the injuries and challenges Kennedy experienced as an athlete. She appreciates everything each of them have done for her.
Off the field, Kennedy continues to make the most of her academic opportunities at UF. "I had a great time in the journalism department and definitely learned lots," she says, "As for what I'm thinking of doing post-graduation, right now I'm looking into law school." Kennedy plans to graduate with her journalism degree and work in the field of human rights.
Over the last four years, Kennedy has appreciated the tremendous academic support and personal growth she gained in Gainesville. She credits the school for teaching her many skills that she will use in her post-collegiate life. "Time management, organization skills… just things that can be applied, no matter what it is you're doing," she said. "I would definitely say I feel well prepared to take on the real world, thanks to the resources that have been provided to me at UF."
While many impactful people catered to Kennedy's positive time in Florida, there are a few that stick out the most. She really appreciates everything that her initial academic advisor, Dr. Jason Storch, did for her. "He's helped me in more ways than he knows. I honestly can't say enough about Jason, or put into words how much of an effect he's had on my experience here at Florida," she says. Her current advisor, Caleb Sorgius, has also been a large contributor to her support system. "He's someone that has just been there for me through everything and he always has an open door so I can stop by whenever I need to talk or anything at all. So I definitely appreciate his help throughout my experience," she says.
Kennedy also appreciates Hawkins Center staff members, Valerie Flournoy and Allison Forrest, who helped shape her into the person she is today. "From the moment I stepped in as a freshman, they have helped me to grow into being the best possible version of myself and I can't thank them enough for that," she notes. Additionally, someone who's stuck by Kennedy's side throughout the years has been Emma Lannon, an academic advisor and tutor coordinator in the Hawkins Center. Through good and bad, Kennedy knows she can always visit Lannon's office to find support.
Kennedy's final shout-out goes to her phenomenal professors at UF. "They've always catered to my needs as a student-athlete and have made time for me in all situations," she says. But one notable professor Kennedy had was Dr. Steven Noll, whom she always keeps in touch with since taking a U.S. History class he teaches. "He always makes sure to check up on me and reach out to me. So I really appreciate him taking the time out of his busy schedule to make me feel valued."
Ultimately, the relationships Kennedy has formed throughout the athletic and academic departments as a Gator have filled her with appreciation and will leave her with positive memories regardless of what her future entails.
