D-1 commit to University of Maine

Kendall Sundby is currently a senior at St. Croix Central HS. She is a four-year varsity starter for the St. Croix Valley Fusion. Kendall is a two-time winner of Wisconsin Prep Hockey’s Molly Engstrom award as the best D, two-time winner of conference player of the year & all-state and has led her team in points for three straight seasons. Kendall is one of only two girls in WIAA hockey that are currently committed to a NCAA D-1 program. She is committed to play at University of Maine next season.

“The next level is such a big step, so it will be a big adjustment. But Kendall will fit in. She is super-fast and a good stick handler. She is good defensively and it is hard to get around her. People may overlook how good she is defensively because she is so good with the puck and so impressive offensively. She is a captain, well respected and a good leader. And she is an unselfish player.” Matt Cranston, head coach, St. Croix Valley Fusion.

In addition to playing for her high school team, Kendall has played for Team Wisconsin for five seasons. In 9th grade she was a member of Team Wisconsin’s U16 team that qualified for USA Hockey nationals. In fall, 2023 Kendall was a key player on Team Wisconsin’s successful U19 team.

“Kendall is an elite playmaker. She scans the ice before the puck is on her tape and understands where & what to do with it. One of her best skills is to shield the puck against opponents. There are very few that can command the locker room and get the team ready like her. Kendall’s unselfish acts and rooting for teammates earn her respect from teammates and coaches. Her ability to gel with teammates and determination to get better every day are two traits that bring her success at University of Maine. Kendall is an outstanding human being, and I can’t wait to see her at the next level!” Brian Poshak, head coach, Team Wisconsin U19.

Let’s get to know Kendall Sundby!

When did you start playing hockey? 4 or 5 years old.

Where did you play youth hockey? I played for the BlackCats (Baldwin & River Falls co-op girls’ program) all the way up through U14.

Did your family play hockey? Yes. My older brother played up thru high school for Baldwin, and my Dad played also.

What is your favorite hockey memory? Friendships I have made. Little things beyond games. Bus rides and shoot arounds before or after practice. My entire high school experience is memorable, and Team Wisconsin has been very important.

What hockey skill do you have that separates you from the competition? My speed, and coaches say my hockey IQ. My goal is to always make my presence known.

Is there a player you model your game after? Cale Makar because of his edge work and he jumps into the play.

How did you select University of Maine? I visited and it felt like home. Molly Engstrom is the coach, and she is building a good program.

What do you plan to study at Maine? I plan on studying business with a minor in exercise science. I want to open my own gym or training facility and coach hockey.

What other schools were interested in you? Franklin Pierce is a D-1 school plus a lot of D-3 programs.

Do you play any other HS sports? Soccer and track.

You play two spring sports? Yes, the athletic director and coaches let me do both because track is an individual sport.

What is your favorite food? Garlic Bread.

What is your favorite music group or type of music? Chris Stapleton.

Where is your dream vacation? Somewhere in the mountains like Colorado, Montana, or Banff, Canada.

Chocolate cake, brownie, or apple pie? Chocolate cake, but it needs to come with ice cream!

Final thoughts? The goal of our Fusion team is to make it to state this year. I also want to thank all my coaches and teammates from high school and Team Wisconsin.