Featuring photography by Angela Miller Imaging
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Leigha Kane
Coming off a State Championship season, the expectations surrounding Palmyra Field Hockey were already high entering the fall. With the Cougars looking to defend their title, senior Leigha Kane has helped ensure that the team hasn’t missed a beat.
Kane has been a key contributor to Palmyra’s undefeated start, providing leadership and production from her defensive center midfield position. That was especially evident during the week of September 28th through October 4th, when the Cougars recorded consecutive shutouts against Red Land and Cedar Cliff.
On Monday, September 28th, Kane converted a penalty stroke to help secure Palmyra’s 2-0 victory over Red Land. Two days later, on Wednesday, September 30th, she contributed a goal and 2 assists as the Cougars rolled past Cedar Cliff, 6-0. Palmyra outscored its opponents 8-0 across the 2 matches, with Kane playing a direct role in 4 of those goals. Her efforts earned her LebCo Athlete of the Week honors.
The Cougars carried that momentum into the following week, beginning with a 3-0 victory over Northern York on Monday, October 5th. Palmyra controlled the action from start to finish, holding a 16-0 advantage in shots on goal and preventing the Polar Bears from earning a single penalty corner.
Two days later, on Wednesday, October 7th, Kane delivered another impressive offensive performance against Mifflin County, scoring twice and adding 2 assists in a 9-1 victory. Allie Fink contributed a hat trick as the Cougars erupted for 6 first-quarter goals on their way to the convincing win.
The results helped extend Palmyra’s unbeaten start to 16-0, including impressive victories over two of New Jersey’s top programs at the Max Field Hockey Showcase. With the postseason approaching, the defending State Champions appear well-positioned to make another run at District 3 and PIAA gold.
For Kane, however, this season has required some adjustments. While she continues to play defensive center midfield, the senior has taken on additional offensive responsibilities following the graduation of several important contributors from last year’s championship team. The Cougars have also been without Maddie Stahl, whose injury has kept her off the field.
Kane has embraced the challenge, looking for opportunities to contribute more offensively while continuing to provide the defensive stability and leadership that have made her such an important part of Palmyra’s success.
Head coach Kent Harshman has watched Kane develop into one of the Cougars’ most trusted players.
“Leigha has been an integral part of our team since her sophomore year,” Harshman said. “Not only is she incredibly gifted athletically, but she is a natural leader with a strong hockey IQ. Having Leigha on the field is like having another coach on the field.”
That trust has been built through years of competing at a high level, and Kane takes the responsibility seriously. As a senior captain, her personal goals are centered on helping those around her improve while maintaining high expectations for her own performance.
“My personal goals for this season are to be an overall great captain who pushes, encourages, and supports my teammates,” Kane said. “I also hold high standards for myself to make sure I am doing all I can on the field to help my team win.”
Harshman believes those qualities are a major part of what makes Kane so valuable to the program.
“She is so well respected by peers and coaches, and she does whatever is needed for the team to be successful,” he added.
While the Cougars have continued piling up victories, their ambitions extend well beyond an undefeated regular season. Having experienced the excitement of winning a State Championship last fall, Kane and her teammates are determined to put themselves in position to compete for another.
Kane knows that reaching those goals will require everyone to continue contributing, particularly as Palmyra prepares for the challenges that come with postseason competition. She takes pride in being part of a group that has developed such strong relationships both on and off the field.
“I would like to mainly thank my teammates because I would not be the player I am without them,” Kane said. “They are some of my best friends, and I am so thankful to get the opportunity to play, win, and celebrate with them.”
Field hockey has also created a special connection within Kane’s family. Her older sister, Payton Kane, continued her playing career at Slippery Rock University, providing Leigha with an example of what it takes to compete at the collegiate level. Kane considers her sister both an inspiration and her biggest role model.
She hopes to follow a similar path after graduating from Palmyra, with plans to attend a Division I college where she can continue playing field hockey while studying business.
Away from the field, Kane enjoys spending time with family and friends, going on vacation, and listening to country music. Even with those interests, field hockey remains a major part of her life, particularly because of the relationships she has built through the sport.
“What I enjoy most are the relationships I make through field hockey,” Kane explained. “My teammates are some of my best friends, and the best part is celebrating our wins together.”
For Kane, the trust and support among teammates are just as important as the victories themselves. She appreciates knowing that her teammates will lift her up when needed and that she can do the same for them.
Those relationships have helped create the foundation for Palmyra’s continued success. With an unblemished record, a defending State Championship, and a roster determined to make another postseason run, the Cougars have plenty to play for in the weeks ahead.
Kane has already helped lead Palmyra to the top of the state once. Now, in her final high school season, she has the opportunity to help the Cougars do it again.
Congratulations to Leigha on earning LebCo Athlete of the Week honors, and best of luck to her and the Cougars as they work towards defending their District 3 and PIAA State titles.
Photography by Angela Miller Imaging
LebCo Male Athlete of the Week: Lucas Schreier
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