Kinkey Watada; Ice Hockey Superstar and Photography Fanatic

By Colt Antle

Pueblo County High School junior Kinley Watada is a hard working and dedicated student, always putting one hundred and ten percent into whatever she does.

“Kinley is a joy to have in class. She is always the student who brings positive energy to the room. She is my "go-to" person when I need extra help making deadlines in yearbook and journalism. She gets along with everyone, is reliable, and is respectful. Kinley is a great photographer and is loved by her peers. She loves hockey, and we love her.” said Yearbook and Journalism teacher Judy Fodor.

Being a good student isn’t Watada’s only expertise, she also has a knack for shredding on the ice as a hockey player. She mostly plays offense and is one of the only PCHS kids playing on the team. This knack for hockey has landed Watada in the public’s eyes with the Pueblo’s local newspaper the Pueblo Chieftain publishing a story about her and her experience with hockey.

“When I found out I was walking in with my bag over my shoulder and my stick in hand. When I arrived I wasn't expecting it at all. When my coach introduced me to the man who was writing my story I was very surprised. I didn't think I would ever have any kind of story like that about me being put out there. I then started to get excited about sharing my story and being able to give other little girls advice.” said Watada.

Watada now joins a list of County students who have had the honor of getting their names recognized by the newspaper organization.

“To be honest I never thought I would have someone that big write something about me. After the story was published A few people came up to me about it and It was really cool knowing that now people knew who I was from the story.” said Watada.

A link to Kinley’s story is included below:
https://www.chieftain.com/story/sports/high-school/ice-hockey/2026/02/24/how-pueblo-girls-are-getting-more-involved-with-ice-hockey/88566048007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=true&gca-epti=z11xx40p115750c115750v11xx40b0097xxd119765&gca-ft=212&gca-ds=sophi