Karla Pentimone – University of Wisconsin-Madison
When it came time to choosing which college I would attend, my decision was not an easy one. I applied to many schools, but I was most pleased to learn that I was accepted at Madison during my senior year in high school. Not only is Madison a superb school academically, but also its location is ideal from my home in Chicago. However, at that time I was not given an option to play Division I hockey for the Badgers, which would have been my ultimate dream. Ever since I was a little girl on hockey skates, my goal was always to play Division I hockey, and I was able to do that at Sacred Heart University, located in Fairfield, Connecticut on scholarship. Playing hockey at Sacred Heart was a great experience. I was a starting forward and played an impact role on the team as a freshman.
However, there were certain factors that I had given a lot of thought to that outweighed my decision to stay at Sacred Heart. Madison would provide more academic choices and career opportunities, factors that are very important to me. Not playing Division I hockey was something I was having a hard time coping with. The decision of whether or not I should transfer was one of the hardest I have had to make in my life thus far.
I decided to take a chance and transfer, not knowing if I would be playing college hockey or not. I talked to the coaches at Wisconsin about my dream of playing hockey for the Badgers, and they allowed me to come out to a practice after much work and effort. For a month, I showed up everyday to practices and lifts not knowing if I would be on the team or not. To much of my surprise, on October 8th, Coach Johnson told me that I was finally a Badger. It was one of the happiest days of my life.
Since then, I have been living my dream to the fullest. Though I do not dress for games, I share my love for hockey with the team by bringing enthusiasm, passion, and hard work on and off the ice. I enjoy being an active part of the community through volunteer opportunities such as wheel chair hockey, the 48 hour practice, Athletes in Action and many more. The experience of my transfer has taught me to never give up and always reach for your highest goal. Walking onto the Badgers has made me realize that dreams really do come true.
