Emily came to the first practice asking if she could just practice with the team as she had never played hockey before. Within a few weeks she skated in her first game thinking she would get to play a few shifts. However due to events of the game she played a regular shift and eventually she played as one of 6 skaters every game. Her enthusiasm and commitment to improving were inspiring as well as her positive leadership despite the teams lack of players. She is an awesome person who truly deserves this award.

Annie stepped in as our goalie this year. She had never skated before and was brand new to the sport, but used her prior experience playing field hockey to help achieve our goals for the season. From saving her first shot ever (which was a penalty shot!) to working hard at every practice, she never let the team down.

Maressa took the ice as hockey player for the first time at the opening of this season. She took her coaches critiquing seriously and worked hard in areas that needed improvement.  She is the last one off the ice at practices, making the most of her time. She is a commuter from Columbia, MD and still manages to attend all team functions and most school related activities. She is a member of the ROTC and has balanced this and hockey while maintaining her grades. She finished the season with 3G/2A.

Celina took up hockey as a first year law student and has not looked back. She is tenacious, giving 100% in every drill and on every shift. Learning to skate her first practice, Celina earned her first point, an assist, in just her sixth game. Receiving limited playing time in some games, she never questioned her role or let if effect her attitude. She brings a new energy to the locker room that unites our team, taking us to the next level.

Susie is a sophomore Criminology major.  She has never played organized sports before joining our team.  Susie volunteered to be our goalie; without her, we wouldn’t have had one.  During IUP Day (a day where clubs and organizations have tables to recruit students) Susie came up to us and said she wanted to play, she didn’t care what position she played, she just wanted to play.  Susie is a very coachable person and had a real passion for learning the game this year.  Every practice, our goalie coach would work her the entire ice time.  Yes, she complained – who wouldn’t, but she loved every minute of it.  Susie even went to stick-times during the week to continue to refine her skills. 
Susie’s first away game (only her third game as our starting goaltender) was rough.  We played St. Joe’s and they were an outstanding team from the first puck drop.  They scored 7 goals on Susie in the first period, and the final score was 11-3 in favor of St. Joe’s.  Susie was very clearly upset and felt like she had let the team down.  Coaches and fellow players talked with her and turned it in to a great learning experience.  She learned from that loss and in our next game against Lafayette a few weeks later, Susie earned her first career shutout, backstopping the team to a 5-0 win.

Head Coach Brian Kotrick:
“For someone to walk into the sport of hockey at college level is hard enough to do, but to do it as a goalie takes an exceptional person, with a touch of crazy.  Susie far exceeded my expectations, from not being able to skate to a solid ‘tender in just a few short months.  Kudos to her and the effort she put in to help the team reach the championship game.”

Hannah never gave up, even when she was falling. She never discouraged and she always gave the games 100%. She was a motivator for everyone on the team, on and off the ice.

Katie had never been on the ice before she volunteered to be our goalie this season, practicing only twice before our first two games, helping lead the team to victory. As our goalie Katie has been wonderful, even getting a shut out in her first year as a goalie. Without Katie being our goalie, we really would not have a team. In addition, Katie has made amazing strides as a goalie even with our lack of practices due to our lack of rink.