The Montana Grizzlies welcomed a seasoned mentor to their coaching staff on Tuesday, August 13, 2025, as Bobby Kennedy joined the team as the new wide receivers coach.
With over 30 years of experience coaching at some of the highest levels of college football, Kennedy brings a wealth of expertise to Missoula.
But behind this accomplished coach stands an equally inspiring figure, and that is his wife, LaShonda Lawrence, a dedicated educator and community advocate.
Together, Bobby Kennedy and his wife form a dynamic duo whose shared passion for mentoring and service has established an everlasting impact wherever they’ve gone.
Bobby Kennedy, with a career more than three decades, has coached wide receivers at prestigious programs like Rice, Stanford, Iowa, Colorado, Texas, Washington, Arizona, Wake Forest, Wyoming, Penn State, and Illinois.
His ability to develop talent and lead with passion earned him the prestigious Football Scoop Wide Receiver Coach of the Year award in 2008.
Kennedy’s coaching style is intense yet inspiring, a reflection of his years spent in high-pressure environments, including seven years in Austin, Texas, where expectations for success were sky-high.
This season marks Kennedy’s first year with the Montana Grizzlies, but he’s already familiar with head coach Bobby Hauck.
The two previously worked together at Washington in 2002, forging a connection that has now brought Kennedy to Missoula.
Hauck praised Kennedy’s hiring, noting his proven track record and ability to connect with players.
Bobby Kennedy Shapes Athletes, While LaShonda Lawrence Transforms Lives in the Classroom
Originally from North Carolina, LaShonda graduated from Whiteoak High School before earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Counseling Education (MAEd) from Wake Forest University in 1997.
Her career began in corporate America, where she excelled in human resources and project management.
But her true calling was education, a passion that “won the day” and led her to pivot her skills toward public schools and community colleges.
LaShonda’s expertise in project management and lean training translated seamlessly into the education sector, where she focused on creating opportunities for students.
Since 2022, she has served as the Executive Director of Career Services and Student Engagement, helping students bridge the gap between their education and future careers.
Her ultimate goal is to empower today’s students to thrive in tomorrow’s workforce.
Before her current role, LaShonda worked at the College of San Mateo, Catalyst Collaborative Inc., Kirkwood Community College, Denver Public Schools, and Deluxe Financial Services, leaving a trail of positive impact at each stop.
Beyond her professional achievements, LaShonda’s love for community engagement shines brightly.
She has served on numerous boards and nonprofit committees at local, national, and international levels.
Her commitment to advocacy has taken her to state capitols and even Washington, D.C., where she has championed causes that uplift underserved communities.
Whether mentoring students or advocating for systemic change, LaShonda’s work reflects her belief in the power of education and service to transform lives.
Bobby and LaShonda’s Love Story That Spans States
Bobby Kennedy and his wife, LaShonda Lawrence, have been married since July 11, 1998, a union that has weathered the demands of coaching and cross-country moves.
The couple first met when Bobby’s coaching career took him through Wyoming, Washington, Arizona, Wake Forest, and Texas.
Their shared journey has been marked by mutual support and a deep commitment to their respective callings.
While Bobby was shaping wide receivers in high-stakes college football programs, LaShonda was building her career in education and advocacy, always finding ways to give back to the communities they called home.
Today, Bobby and LaShonda reside in California, where they continue to balance their demanding careers with their love for each other and their shared values.
Their relationship is evidence of the power of two people who uplift one another while making a difference in the lives of others.
As Bobby Kennedy steps into his role with the Montana Grizzlies, he brings not only his coaching expertise but also the strength of a supportive partnership with LaShonda.
Together, they represent a shared mission of mentorship, service, and impact. For Bobby, it’s about shaping the next generation of athletes.
For LaShonda, it’s about guiding students toward bright futures. And for both, it’s about leaving every community they touch a little better than they found it.
As the Grizzlies gear up for the 2025 season, fans can expect Bobby Kennedy to bring his signature power and wisdom to the field.
Meanwhile, LaShonda Lawrence will continue to inspire students and communities, proving that behind every great coach is an equally remarkable partner.
Bobby Kennedy and his wife LaShonda Lawrence are more than a power couple—they’re a force for good, wherever their journey takes them.
