Shawnee High School varsity athlete Aiden Kennedy, a rising sophomore, has quickly become a multi-position contributor for the football program while emphasizing the values of teamwork, resilience and family.
Kennedy, listed at 5-foot-10 and 160-pounds, plays running back, slot receiver and safety for Shawnee. He describes the most difficult part of those roles as “maintaining a calm, a focused mindset” in order to execute assignments consistently under pressure. In pregame routines, he listens to music and thinks about what his uncle would think if he were watching, a mental cue that helps him push through moments when he feels he can’t go further.
One of his most vivid football memories came long before high school: scoring his first touchdown in a 9U game and seeing how proud his uncle was. “That moment sticks with me and I reminder why I play,” Kennedy said.
Kennedy credits his uncle, Clint, as his biggest inspiration, noting that Clint has always motivated him, pushed him and “wanted more” for him throughout his life. That family influence shows up in how he approaches competition and preparation.
He also highlights teammate Garret McCurdy as someone who has left a strong impression, praising McCurdy for keeping it real, pushing him to improve and holding him to a high standard. Kennedy said he values teammates who check on each other, bring good energy and lift people up when they’re down.
At school, Kennedy said his favorite subject is math because he enjoys solving problems, and he singled out Oklahoma History teacher Mr. Boren as a favorite for making learning fun. Outside of class and practice, he spends free time playing video games such as “GTA” and listening to music.
Kennedy said football has taught him that struggles and distractions will always try to pull him away from his goals, and that success depends on keeping his “eyes on the prize.” For a young athlete already handling multiple positions and responsibilities, that mindset frames how he approaches both the season ahead and life after high school.
