Star Student Athlete: Bethesda Teen Shows Tenacity On Field, At Home

BETHESDA, MD — We all know student athletes who also bring their A-game to other parts of their lives.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know the individual stories behind the leaderboard.

This submission comes from Bronwen Kennedy, who nominated Oona of Bethesda-Chevy Chase. Oona is a star field hockey player who plans to play at a Division 1 college, and a star off the field as she helps her mother with her cancer diagnosis.

Star student athlete’s name

Oona

Star student athlete’s home state

Maryland

Star student athlete’s Patch town

Bethesda-Chevy Chase

How do you know the star student athlete?

She is my daughter

What sport does the star student athlete play?

Field Hockey

Why do you believe the star student athlete should be recognized?

Oona is a very determined and kind young lady. In middle school, she set her sights on wanting to play D1 field hockey and has been working toward doing that ever since. She is often recognized by other kids and parents for how kind and humble she is, always going out of her way to help provide guidance to younger athletes and being welcoming to new students at school.

Starting June 15, as a rising junior, several D1 schools reached out to her and the pressure really kicked in to perform at D1 clinics and the pinnacle National Championship Nexus Game, which one has to be nominated to play. Unfortunately, life through our family a curveball right at this time, with me being diagnosed with Breast Cancer.

It has been very challenging for her to go through the recruiting process with the uncertainty around my diagnosis and me not being able to attend many important clinics for her. All the while going through this challenging time, she has managed a 4.0 GPA (weighted, with several Honors and AP classes) and is one of her high school team captains.

Parents often approach me saying, “Oona is a household name in our house, we ask what would Oona do?” as she is an expert field hockey player, but more importantly a humble, kind person at her core. She recently requested her team do a Pink Out game for Breast Cancer awareness as a response to my diagnosis. She is a natural leader and playmaker on and off the field. As an expert playmaker, she is quick to redistribute the ball and embrace the team aspect of the sport and not seek the spotlight for herself.

In her life, she has given back through the Girl Scouts in her younger years and volunteering at the Vacation Bible school. These days have been a challenge for her, but she has consistently risen above and focused on others despite the stressful days. Her athleticism, dedication, leadership and humility while under immense pressure are traits to inspire us all.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the star student athlete?

She exemplifies good sportsmanship and tenacity on and off the field.

Keep up the great work, Oona!

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