Spotlight on: Kimberly Kennedy
By Jasmine Rogers
This profile was written in 2012.
Today the spotlight is on defensive back Kimberly Kennedy. Kennedy is in her first year with the Divas and is making quite an impact on the field. Against the New York Sharks on May 12, she caught an interception and returned it 36 yards before being tackled. In addition to her interception, Kennedy has recorded 8.5 tackles and one pass deflection so far in 2012.
Off the field, Kennedy is a police officer for the federal government. She also attends school full-time, studying criminology at the University of Maryland.
Kim Kennedy is a fierce competitor. In high school, she was a three-sport athlete, participating in cross country, basketball, and softball. Forgoing the opportunity to play sports on the college level, Kennedy decided to serve our country and enlisted in the United States Air Force. During her time in the military, she was able to get a small taste of the competition she craved by playing on the Air Force’s softball team.
After her tenure with the Air Force, Kennedy became a U.S. Capitol Police officer. Her competitive nature never left, and she continued to look for more athletic opportunities to challenge herself. In October 2011, Kennedy completed her first marathon. Shortly after, she went looking for a new source of competition, and she found it when she tried out for and made the D.C. Divas football team.
Spotlight on: Kimberly Kennedy
What is your favorite football memory/moment?
My interception in New York against the Sharks, because my nephew Connor was there to see it!
When you got that interception, what was going through your mind?
I remember thinking, “I can’t believe this is really happening!” I was in total disbelief but really excited at the same time!
What is your biggest challenge, and what do you do to manage this challenge?
Time. I balance working full-time, going to school full-time, and playing football. If my friends and family weren’t so understanding, I probably couldn’t make it happen. I can’t complain though, because some of my teammates have families with children. They are honestly my heroes…I don’t know how they do it!
What was the best advice you were ever given?
To be patient – and remember that everything happens for a reason.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
From those who refuse to live life by the status quo, wounded veterans, and those who are always striving to better themselves.
While you were in the military, you played on the Air Force’s softball team. What was that experience like for you?
It was a lot of fun! I had the opportunity to meet a lot of great people from all branches of the military.
What life lessons have you learned from your military and police careers that are applicable to football?
I’ve learned to embrace difficult situations and make the most out of them. It has also helped me to not sweat the small stuff or take myself too seriously.
What’s one thing you wish someone would have told you or warned you about before you started the season?
That learning the game wouldn’t happen overnight.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I am a third generation police officer. My grandfather was a lieutenant for Albany (NY) Police Department and my father was a detective for the Albany PD; both are now retired.
About Kimberly Kennedy
Name: Kimberly Kennedy
Age: 27
Hometown: Albany, New York
Educational Background: Criminology major at the University of Maryland
Profession: Police Officer, United States Capitol Police
Years playing football: First year
Sports participated in: High School Softball, Basketball, and Cross Country
Total years in sports: 20 years
Family: Youngest of five siblings
