Emily Staid ‘22
Concluding his fifth year on the Episcopal Academy varsity ice hockey team as co-captain, Bradley French ’21 has shown perseverance and poise throughout his EA hockey career. Though COVID-19 cut down the ice hockey season to a mere two games, French’s resilience and determination both on and off the ice allowed him to showcase himself as an offensive powerhouse. A key scorer for the team, French has earned respect from both his coaches and teammates through his skillful play in the hockey program and devotion to the sport.
Family has consistently been a key factor in French’s ice hockey career. French explains, “I started playing ice hockey because of my dad, mom, and two older brothers, Ryan [‘16] and Tyler [‘18]. My dad is crazy about hockey and has been since he was young.” After seeing his dad and brothers’ involvement in the sport, French knew that he wanted to play as well.
A testament to the role of family in French’s hockey career, he reveals that his favorite time on the team was the “final game of the season against Haverford in 2018″ because “my older brother, Tyler, was one of the seniors being honored and we both were able to have an impact in that game.” He remarks, “Sharing that moment with Tyler, my family, and my teammates was definitely my favorite EA hockey memory.” French cites his time playing with his younger brother as well, “This year has been an awesome experience to be on the ice with the team and my younger brother, Dawson [‘24].”
Leading by example, French’s unwavering effort through both practice and games demonstrates his steadfast commitment to the team. Steven Schuh, Head Coach of the Varsity Hockey team, says, “Bradley has the same work ethic in both practice and in games. It is one thing that you don’t have to worry about, as he always puts in his full effort.” This tireless dedication has been evident in French’s hockey approach from a young age due to the support of his family. French states, “My skating instructors were concerned about me playing hockey because of my inability to stop at the time. However, my parents and my family encouraged me to keep trying and eventually I improved my stopping and skating.”
Since perfecting his skating, French has focused on perfecting his shots, making him one of the team’s top scorers. Co-captain Jessica Miller ’21 adds that “He [French] has been the highest point contributor for many years in a row.”
To motivate his teammates to work alongside him in games, French brings energy, encouraging others to play tirelessly until the clock runs out. Miller elaborates, “Not only does he put points up, but he is always keeping everyone’s spirits up no matter what the score is.” Others echo this comment about French’s his attitude on the team. Declan Brown ’21 says, “He has a motivating voice both on and off the ice.”
French believes that his role on the team is “to support, guide, lead, and motivate my teammates by drawing on my prior experiences.” Due to his success in this leadership position, and his consistent motivation to others on the team, French was awarded the EA George W. Hebard Jr. Ice Hockey Award in his sophomore and junior years. This award, as Schuh states, “is given to that member of the ice hockey team who, in the opinion of his teammates and coaches, best exemplifies effort, unselfishness, skill and sportsmanship.”
Other than his devotion to the sport, French is recognized for his modesty and positivity. Brown explains, “He is the most skilled player on the team but remains incredibly humble. He respects all players on the team, no matter how good of a hockey player they are. He fosters such a positive and encouraging training environment.”
Summarizing his gratitude for Episcopal sports, French shares, “Hockey and athletics have provided me with a great deal of opportunities and lessons including friendships, comradery, exercise, and understanding the importance of hard work.”