Benet Academy in Lisle, Illinois, has made history by retiring the first female athlete's jersey. The school honored former WNBA player Kathleen Doyle on Saturday, marking a significant milestone in its storied athletic legacy. Doyle's iconic No. 11 jersey now hangs alongside male sports standouts Frank Kaminsky and Dan LeFevour, according to a report from The Chicago Tribune.
During her time at Benet, Doyle not only honed but also finely crafted her skills, leading the girl's basketball team to state championships in 2015 and 2016. Doyle's prowess on the court earned her the prestigious title of Illinois Ms. Basketball as a senior. This accomplishment, among others, positioned her as a trailblazer for future generations of female athletes, as detailed in a piece by NCTV17.
Doyle, who is the youngest of six children to have all attended Benet, reflected on her jersey retirement with humility and honor. "Little Kathleen would be freaking out right now if she knew what was going on," she expressed in a statement obtained by The Chicago Tribune. The ceremony saw her being celebrated by a community that has supported her throughout a career marked by excellence and integrity.
Post-retirement, Doyle has not left the game behind. She has actively taken up the duty of coach, currently serving as an assistant under Benet boys basketball coach Gene Heidkamp. This move reveals a woman who is not just passionate about the sport but is also determined to give back to the community that raised her. "It's been awesome to be back at Benet and learning from coach Heidkamp," Doyle told NCTV17 in an interview.
Her legacy continues to impact the next generation of players, like Indiana freshman Lenee Beaumont, who was voted Illinois Ms. Basketball in 2023. According to The Chicago Tribune, Beaumont grew up idolizing Doyle, adopting her moves and spirit for the game.
