Honoring six empowering women with the Foundation Award, one from each franchise in the PHF, the honor is a reflection of core values that set a strong example. Jenna Rheault, an assiduous blueliner with the Isobel Cup champion Boston Pride, takes such values to heart. From integrity and commitment, to encouragement and inclusion, the focus geared towards growing and improving hockey culture, Rheault admirably maintains a strong focus. Regarded highly by her teammates, every season presents an opportunity to cultivate her strong leadership traits.
Certainly, the privilege of the Foundation Award signifies the continuation of a tremendous momentum since the Isobel Cup triumph in Tampa Bay. Marking the second consecutive title for the franchise, becoming the first to reach this plateau, Rheault, a member of both championship rosters, shall remain identified with this outstanding achievement.
The sense of achievement extended into other facets of Boston’s sporting culture, continuing to raise awareness about the professional female game. Enjoying the opportunity to occupy a luxury box at TD Garden, honored guests of the NHL’s Bruins, celebrations also included pre-game festivities at fabled Fenway Park, home of the Red Sox. Rheault and teammates, wearing personalized jerseys, smiles gleaming while standing on the infield grass, applauding Jillian Dempsey and Katie Burt throwing the ceremonial first pitch.
“Winning back to back Isobel Cup championships was a huge accomplishment for this organization. I am so proud of this team for coming together to make it happen.”
Graciously donating her time as a volunteer coach for the John-Stark Hopkinton Hillsboro Boys Varsity hockey team, providing instruction for young skaters is another focus. From the Bruins Academy Learn to Play Event in Nashua, New Hampshire, to a youth clinic at Warrior Ice Arena in celebration of Willie O’Ree. Rheault has a tremendous empathy for what happens off the ice.
Admirably taking to social media in late April to show her support towards improving mental health in student athletes, it marked a gravitas and sincerity that could apply to individuals in other facets of life, experiencing their own pressures and expectations. Social media also marked another great example of Rheault as a model teammate, a tremendous display of friendship evident in her encouragement of Pride forward Tori Sullivan sharing a difficult event from her university years with a Canadian news show.
As the Foundation Award marks the first individual award win of Rheault’s stellar professional career, a proud linkage with five other empowering women in PHF play is evident, signifying a tremendous unity as hockey humanitarians. Belonging to a group of celebrated Foundation Award recipients, including Grace Kleinbach (Buffalo), Madison Packer (Metropolitan), All-Star captain Allie Thunstrom (Minnesota), Saroya Tinker (Toronto) and Shannon Turner (Connecticut), such distinguished company adds prestige to Rheault’s achievement. Accolades aside, the most important focus involves setting a positive example, the continued goal of paying it forward reflecting an inspiring humility,
“I am extremely honored to receive the Foundation Award. It is an exceptional award and it encourages me to continue to demonstrate core values within my hockey community and general community for years to come. I love to give back to the hockey communities around me because I want to be a great role model for them to look up to.
I was also very humbled to be acknowledged alongside the other award recipients within the league. They are great role models and athletes as well. I am thankful for Principal’s generous donations to the league to allow us to give back to the communities we love most.”
Employed as a Certified Occupational Therapist at an elementary school, enhancing Rheault’s standing as a role model off the ice, students and faculty alike have taken on the role of fans. Worth noting, an ideal demonstration of their fandom included road signs outside school, cheering “Miss Rheault”, a heartwarming show of support during the Pride’s postseason run. Worth noting, Dempsey, the Pride team captain, also enjoys a full-time career in the classroom.
Reciprocating their loyalty, Rheault graciously brought the Isobel Cup to school, a fascinating variation on show and tell. As a side note, it was an act of kindness carried out in 2021 as well. With Principal Investments graciously providing a donation of $10,000 to the preferred charity of each award recipient, fittingly, her charity of choice involves bringing betterment to student life.
Based in Rheault’s home state of New Hampshire, the Kid Adventures program holds a highly emotional component. A non-profit functioning as a Before and After School Program, accommodating students from numerous grades, the potential to improve lives and strengthen self-esteem fills Rheault with joyous optimism, ensuring that the legacy of her Foundation Award win shall last for many years.
“It means so much to be able to give back to the Kid Adventures program because it is a non-profit organization that I hold near and dear to my heart. This before and after school program benefits hundreds of kids within my school district from elementary students, to middle school students, to high school students.
It is a great feeling to know that this donation will directly impact the students within my school district. The Kid Adventures program is so thankful and I know the money given will be put to great use for those students.”
“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”
