Breaking Free: Kendall Cunningham’s Journey from Pressure to Passion

We’re excited to continue our series, “Pioneers of the Pitch,” where we celebrate the groundbreaking athletes, administrators, coaches, referees, and fans making their mark on rugby in the USA. Each installment takes you on a journey through the inspiring stories of rising stars and seasoned legends, both on and off the field. Whether honoring their contributions during their lifetime or posthumously, we shine a light on these exceptional individuals and uncover their tales of dedication, passion, and triumph.

Kendall Cunningham’s journey into the world of sports began at just five years old, kicking a soccer ball on the fields of Danville, California. Soccer quickly became a family affair, with her father coaching, her older sister as her fiercest competitor, and her mother offering emotional support from the sidelines. It was a typical childhood filled with sports, weekends brimming with games, and a deep love for competition. But as Kendall’s athletic ambitions grew, so did the pressures, leading her to find solace and a new passion in the game of rugby.

Kendall’s path to rugby wasn’t straightforward. Throughout her early years, soccer dominated her life, and her sights were set on playing at the NCAA Division 1 level. But the intense pressure and constant feeling of failure took a toll on her mental toughness. By the time she was a high school junior, she realized she no longer felt the same connection to soccer. It was at this pivotal moment that Kendall found rugby—a sport that brought back her love for competing and reminded her why she enjoyed playing sports in the first place. She recalls how rugby felt like freedom, a far cry from the chains of her former sport.

Now, as a collegiate rugby player at Brown University, Kendall has embraced the physical and mental challenges of the sport. Her training regimen is rigorous, balancing team practices, lifting sessions, and personal skills development. Kendall credits tools like her WHOOP fitness tracker for helping her fine-tune her physical fitness, but equally important to her journey is maintaining a positive mental outlook. She draws inspiration from books like Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins and applies principles of mental toughness to both rugby and life.

One of the most transformative moments in Kendall’s athletic career came during her freshman year at Brown. After limited playing time and underperforming when given the opportunity, she found herself frustrated and unsure of her place on the team. But rather than dwell on these setbacks, she used them as fuel. Over the summer, she dedicated herself to improving her skills and building strength, waking up at 4:45 AM three times a week to train. By her sophomore season, she had made significant strides, becoming a more formidable player on the field and earning respect from her teammates and coaches.

Beyond her own athletic achievements, Kendall is focused on the future of women’s rugby. She envisions the sport growing rapidly over the next decade, empowering young girls to embrace their strength and individuality. Kendall sees rugby as more than just a game—it’s a space that celebrates diversity in body types and fosters an environment where everyone is welcome. She hopes to play a role in pushing the sport forward, inspiring the next generation of women to see themselves as beautiful, strong athletes.

Kendall’s journey is far from over. After debuting with the USA Rugby U20 team and her junior season at Brown, she continues to chase her goals with determination and a relentless work ethic. Whether it’s lowering her Bronco time, leading her team on the pitch, or supporting her teammates from the sidelines, Kendall remains committed to being 1% better every day. And even after college, she knows she’ll never truly leave the world of sports behind—her athletic ambitions will continue to push her toward new challenges and goals.


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