PHILADELPHIA – The University of Pennsylvania women's basketball head coach Mike McLaughlin has announced his captains for the 2021-22 season, naming seniors Kennedy Suttle, Mia Lakstigala and Meg Hair and junior Kayla Padilla the leaders heading into this year's campaign.
 
The three seniors were all a part of the 2019 Ivy League championship team, while Padilla returns as the 2020 Ivy League Rookie of the Year.
 
Suttle was one of seven Quakers from the 2019-20 season that played in all 27 games, including 16 starts. Through her two seasons on the court, she has recorded 145 points and 155 rebounds through 41 games.
 
"Kennedy is one of the most experienced returning players on the team," McLaughlin said. "She is extremely unselfish and always exudes an "all in" "team first" attitude which is why her teammates have a great deal of respect for her. I am excited to see Kennedy take the next step in her Penn career as a leader for our team."
 
Lakstigala earned time in 21 of the 27 games her sophomore season, giving solid minutes off the bench. Through 46 games in two seasons, she has logged 130 points and 45 rebounds. In 2019-20, she shot over 51 percent from the floor, including 43.5 percent from beyond the arc.
 
"I am thrilled with the growth that Mia has made over the last year," McLaughlin said. "She has always led by example since stepping foot on campus but has really stepped up as a vocal leader on the team. She works incredibly hard and is admired by her teammates because of her willingness to always help others. I look forward to seeing her lead our team this season."
 
Hair has played in 19 games through her first two seasons, 13 of which came her sophomore year. A part of the 2019 Ivy League championship team, she averaged over six minutes per game coming off the bench.
 
"I am super excited to have Meg represent our program as a team captain," McLaughlin said. "She has been tremendously loyal and dedicated to our program over the past three seasons and it has been amazing to see her grow and develop into a leader during her time here at Penn. Meg has truly earned the opportunity to lead us this season and I can't wait to see her continue to thrive in this role."
 
Padilla shot on the scene in her first season back in 2019-20, earning first-team All-Ivy as well as a handful of Player of the Week honors including USBWA National Freshman of the Week. She was one of just four players to start in all 27 games that season, shooting 41.6 percent from the floor for 471 points. She added 65 assists, 31 steals and 56 rebounds.
 
"Kayla is extremely deserving of this incredible honor given to her by her teammates," McLaughlin said. "She has earned their respect both on and off the floor through her tremendous work ethic. Kayla is a natural leader and someone who people are drawn to. I cannot wait to watch her excel in this new role." 
 
The season tips off on the road at Hartford on November 14.