As Fast As Her: Dream Big, Break Barriers, Achieve Success debuts Jan. 18, 2022, prior to the Winter Olympics; Foreword by Billie Jean King
November 10, 2021, Grand Rapids, MI — Olympic team captain and star for the U.S. Women’s Hockey team Kendall Coyne will release As Fast As Her: Dream Big, Break Barriers, Achieve Success (Zondervan) on January 18, 2022, just prior to the 2022 Winter Olympics. In this inspiring book, gold medalist Coyne will share the grit and determination it took to break down barriers and achieve her dreams against tremendous odds, while encouraging young people to follow their passions and never give up.
As a child growing up in Chicago, Coyne chose hockey skates instead of figure skates and tried out for boys’ teams, often facing challenges simply due to her gender. But Kendall had a passion and a dream — as well as the skills — so instead of slowing down, she sped up, going on to win Olympic gold and a place at the NHL’s All-Star Weekend. She is now a developmental coach for the Chicago Blackhawks and is currently training in Minnesota for the upcoming Winter Olympics taking place early February 2022 in Beijing.
“I am so fiercely proud of this book, as I want to reach youth with the message that they can face obstacles and grow into strong individuals who remain courageous no matter what road they are on,” says Coyne. “I absolutely love being an advocate and a mentor. Sharing my heart with young people and fans in this book is a dream come true.”
“Kendall’s story is the ultimate ‘girl power’ story, allowing her to bring a lot of attention from fans and media to the role of women in ice hockey. We are thrilled to be partnering with her, and we know many young people will be inspired by her story of perseverance,” says Zonderkidz VP and Publisher Megan Dobson. “Kendall shared with us how she looked for books on women’s hockey when she was a girl – and could only find one or two – so we are so happy to help make her dreams possible to inspire the next generation.”
As Fast as Her explores how Kendall held on to her dream, overcame her insecurities and naysayers, and pushed herself past barriers to achieve her goals. Kendall shares:
- stories that illustrate the lessons she’s learned, and how to apply them for success
- encouragement to help young people know they are good enough — to fit in, to find and follow their passions, and to fight for the rights and opportunities they deserve
- why it’s important to give back and create lasting change for others, especially when it comes to equity in sports and the wider world
- her personal trials and triumphs, inspiring readers to discover what excites and exhausts them—and help them to be as relentless in achieving their own goals
Mentor and sports icon Billie Jean King will provide the foreword to the book. Full-color behind-the-scenes pictures and personal photos will also be featured in this hardcover jacketed YA non-fiction book for ages 13 and up (Zondervan, $24.99, 9780310771135).
About Kendall Coyne:
- She is a currently an active professional athlete and coach for the Chicago Blackhawks. She won a silver medal in the 2014 Olympics, a gold medal in the 2018 Olympics and is training for the 2022 Olympics.
- Kendall was named the Most Powerful Woman in Hockey by Sportsnet Canada last year.
- She was the New England High School Player of the Year and was named the top female ice hockey player in the U.S. her senior year in college. Now as team captain of Team USA, she takes a vocal lead in this sport, advocating for women and equity in sports.
- She is married to Super Bowl champion and NFL player Michael Schofield and resides in the Chicago area, in her and her husband’s hometown.
- Find more about her at kendallcoyne.com and on Twitter @KendallCoyne, Facebook KendallCoyne26 and Instagram @KendallCoyne26.
Zondervan is a world-leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications. Zondervan, as part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., delivers transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The Company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, MI. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.
Media Contact: Jessica Westra, Director of Publicity, Zondervan YA, Jessica.westra@harperpcollins.com, 616.403.6628
EARLY ENDORSMENTS OF AS FAST AS HER
“What Kendall Coyne is doing for the sport is not just about her — it’s not even just about her team. She is changing people’s perspectives about what a woman can accomplish. In As Fast As Her, she shares her mission of empowerment, showing all readers how they can open the door to whatever they love and confidently walk through.”
Manon Rhéaume, the first woman to play in the NHL, Olympic medalist and speaker
“I met Kendall when she was seven years old, when she first had a dream to play hockey in the Olympics. It was a thrill to watch her grow into an elite athlete and achieve her dream of winning gold. On top of that, she shocked the sports world by proving she is as fast as the best men’s players in the world. Kendall is an incredible leader, a huge advocate for the game, and the perfect role model for the younger generation. This is a must-read story.”
Cammi Granato, member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, Olympic medalist and NHL pro scout
“When I first met Kendall Coyne back when she was a young, excited fan, I had no idea what an amazing player and person she’d become. In the years since, I’ve been amazed by Kendall’s focus on becoming the best she can be, her drive to make her mark on the sport and achieve her goals, and her dedication to helping young people grow and see the possibilities in themselves — including her fight to create a better future for women in hockey. Throughout As Fast As Her, as she shares the challenges and obstacles she’s overcome in her career, Kendall offers a powerful message to any young person who is chasing their dream or working to make their voice heard: Don’t let anyone tell you no, and fight for the respect you deserve with everything you have. In the end, I came away an even bigger fan of Kendall, and hope this book inspires a new generation to follow in her footsteps.”
Chris Chelios, three-time Stanley Cup Champion and member of the Hockey Hall of Fame
“Kendall Coyne is one of the most impactful athletes ever to lace up a pair of skates. While she is best known for her explosive speed, what I admire most about her is her fierce determination, fearlessness and work ethic. Not every athlete — no matter how gifted — possesses the mental toughness to show up on a big stage. In addition to showing up for Team USA on the international stage numerous times, Kendall’s clutch performance at the 2019 NHL All-Star Skills Competition was a shining example of thriving under intense pressure. That lap was a barrier-shattering moment for the women’s hockey world, and only someone like Kendall could have pulled it off. Every athlete and sports fan — no matter your age, gender, or favorite sport — will be able to enjoy and learn something from Kendall’s story of overcoming obstacles, constantly pushing herself to greater heights, and rising to the occasion when called upon.”
Patrick Burke, Senior Director of Player Safety for the NHL
“As Fast As Her is sure to inspire, as Kendall is a leader and role model both on and off the ice. As a professional, I have had the honor to work with her to create the ‘Golden Coynes’ program to welcome youth girls into our great game and help them keep playing. As a mom to my ten-year-old daughter, Amelia, I’ve seen the impact Kendall has made in helping her to set goals and dream BIG!”
Annie Camins, Chicago Blackhawks Senior Director, Youth Hockey
