Rich Palazzese ’14: The EA homepage has recently highlighted the achievements of Episcopal’s athletic triumphs from wins in out-of-league play to triumphs over rivals for Inter-Ac titles. A common theme that has not gone unnoticed by the community is that Kristen Hinckley ’13 has led two of these dominant teams in history-making seasons. Hinckley has captained both the soccer and basketball teams to Inter-Ac Championships during her final year with the Churchwomen; she aspires to complete her “perfect year” by capturing the Inter-Ac title for girls’ lacrosse. Hinckley exemplifies excellence in mind, body, and spirit.
Hinckley is both dominate in the classroom and on the fields. She is bound for Dartmouth College. Hinckley stated, “I chose Dartmouth because I loved it every time I was on campus. I love the lacrosse team, the community feel, and the academic challenge.”
Hinckley is a paragon Episcopal Academy tri-sport athlete who is the perfect role model for any novice. She modeled the attitude of Taylor Trimble ’11 who currently plays lacrosse for Duke University. She recalled, “I looked up to Taylor Trimble in lacrosse because of her hard work. She was always running before practice and always giving 100 percent. I love her passion for the game.” Alexa Buckley ’11 also shaped Hinckley into the athlete she is today. “She is an all-around role model for me in school, sports, service, and character,” said Hinckley.
Hinckley can be classified as the ultimate team player: relentless and passionate about representing her school. She loves “being part of something bigger than [herself] and belonging to that.” She has also learned valuable life lessons from sports. “I have learned how to bounce back from setbacks and the importance of a team in terms of everyone contributing. When I was an underclassman I didn’t play as much but being on varsity was an awesome experience. I learned what it means to be part of a team,” she recalled.
Hinckley is a very versatile athlete. “I can’t imagine not playing one of my three sports,” noted Hinckley. “Playing another sport helps me play with the others; even college coaches have told me that. I think it’s easier for girls than boys but I love it and recommend it. Different sports develop different parts of your mind and body and give you great experiences.”
Hinckley has had many memorable experiences this year alone. In the fall, under the leadership of Hinckley and co-captains Meghan Hubley ’13 and Kaitlyn DiMarco ’13, the girls’ soccer team won the Inter-Ac title. In the final game, Hinckley punched in the winning goal in overtime. That goal allowed the Churchwomen to top the Agnes Irwin Owls and clinch the banner one last time for her fellow seniors. In the winter, she led her basketball team to huge wins over traditional powerhouses such as Germantown Academy. The basketball team battled throughout the season and earned the title of Inter-Ac basketball champions for the first time ever. After the regular season, the girls won the PAISA tournament, the independent school state championship.
Hinckley looks to continue to make history this year in lacrosse. Last year the girls’ lacrosse team won the PAISA tournament and they look to repeat this year. “It will be a fun season and if we work hard, we will be successful,” said Hinckley. The Churchwomen look to make a run for solidifying a high national ranking, even though competition will be tough. “We have a very hard game versus McDonough School who is one of the top programs in the country so that will be a fun experience…The lacrosse season is always exciting!”
Hinckley noted that she was “incredibly thankful for everyone who has helped [her]: coaches, parents, friends, and teammates and [she] feels so fortunate to go to EA and to have all of these great opportunities.” Her brother Michael Hinckley ’15 even acknowledged his sister’s talents, admitting, “She is clearly the superior Hinckley.”
Hinckley is very humble in her approach to the season, but she remains eager to leave her mark. She stated, “I would like to have a lasting impact by my example and hopefully our hard work this year will impact the upcoming teams and how they carry themselves. I hope that we can leave something to be remembered as a senior class as a whole.”

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