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Leigha Kane
On Saturday, August 23rd, the Palmyra Cougars opened their season with a hard-fought rivalry win over Mechanicsburg. Junior midfielder Leigha Kane played a key role in the 2-1 victory, assisting on both Cougar goals scored by Maddie Stahl and Elle Detweiler. Her efforts in the win were recognized by LebCoSports.com voters, who selected her as the first female athlete to be named LebCo Athlete of the Week for the Fall 2025 season.
Kane described the matchup against the Wildcats as a true test. “Starting out our season playing Mechanicsburg is always a tough task because it is an intense rivalry. As the game started, we came out strong and played as a team. We played strong defense, which created offensive opportunities. Throughout the game, I was able to move the ball up the field and feed it to Maddie Stahl and Elle Detwiler, assisting both of their goals. This solid win was the result of a great team effort, with every single player contributing to our success.”
That performance reflected Kane’s importance to the Cougars’ identity. A steady presence in the midfield, she has embraced both defensive responsibilities and the chance to spark offense in transition. Her long-term vision for the season is just as clear. “This year, my teammates and I are focused on a shared goal, which is ultimately winning a district and state championship. We know it will take a lot of hard work and dedication, but we are all committed to making it happen.”
Palmyra Edges Rival Mechanicsburg in Season-Opening Thriller
Kane explained that buy-in from every player has helped the team pursue those goals. “My teammates and I have contributed to our team goals through hard work and consistency. We’ve all focused on bringing our best to every practice and game, pushing each other to improve. By working together as a team and communicating on the field, we’ve all gotten better and improved our overall performance.”
That drive stems, in part, from the heartbreak of last season. After falling to Warwick, the eventual state champion, in both the District 3 and PIAA State Semifinals, Palmyra entered 2025 with a new level of determination.
Kane described how last year’s postseason losses have fueled the team this season: “That feeling of coming so close but falling short has become our biggest motivation. We’re using that experience to push ourselves harder in practice and during games, making sure we leave it all on the field this season so we can achieve our ultimate goal.”
That determination is something Kane shows every day, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed by her coach. Head Coach Kent Harshman praised her ability to lead by example and impact both ends of the field: “Leigha is an outstanding team player, and her great vision allows her to be an excellent distributor. She also does a tremendous job of holding down the center of the field defensively from her deep center-midfield position.”
Off the field, Kane stays busy spending time with family, friends, and her dogs. She looks up to her sister, Payton, who plays field hockey at Slippery Rock University while studying pediatric physical therapy. Leigha herself is committed to playing Division I field hockey at Penn State University, where she hopes to continue growing as a player and contributing at the highest level.
Through her dedication, versatility, and team-first mindset, Kane has become one of Palmyra’s anchors. The journey continues on Tuesday as the Cougars travel to face Northern, the same team they defeated to capture the 2023 District 3 Championship. It will be another test in the always-tough Mid Penn Keystone Division, where no game comes easy and every point matters, yet every matchup helps prepare players for the postseason.
We congratulate Leigha on this honor and wish her and her teammates the best of luck as they continue their pursuit of championship aspirations.
Photo provided by the Kane Family
LebCo Male Athlete of the Week: Devon Englehart
Palmyra Edges Rival Mechanicsburg in Season-Opening Thriller
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