Personal Statement
Dear Coaches,
I have had my sights set on playing college hockey since I began playing with Chicago Mission as a U12 defenseman. I remember being in awe of our U19's -- their aspirations, drive, work ethic, and leadership inspired me to strive for the same end goal. My love for hockey is something I want to continue as I pursue a degree.
I feel that playing AAA hockey has prepared me to balance the workload of academics with practice, games, and travel. I have maintained a 4.0 GPA through Junior High, Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior Year at Naperville North, where I also take honors classes. It is because of my schedule that I have excellent time management and organizational skills. My work ethic, mannerisms, promptness, and leadership skills are characteristics my teachers and coaches have often commented on.
What makes me different from others is my desire to see everyone play their best and love the game. It's important to win games, but there are times you encounter a faster, better, stronger team. The value/lesson is in asking yourself if you played your best, if you left it all on the ice, if you played as a team and are proud of your attitude during the game, even in the face of a loss. Positivity and respect are two things you should always give your coaches. I feel if you're interested in college hockey, you have a skill(s) that you'll ALWAYS be developing, but your attitude and your respect toward your teammates and coaches are also two things that should be consistent and present at all times.
I've been fortunate to see titles such as Illinois State Champion in 2010 and 2016, and Silver Medalist at the USA Hockey/Toyota Nationals in May 2016. Those experiences have been the highlights of my time and effort on the ice. I can only imagine the feeling a player has stepping onto the ice in a collegiate hockey arena where the stands are full and the energy is contagious. I hope to experience that feeling in the fall of 2019 surrounded by my teammates, coaches, and fans.
I have attended tournaments at RUSH, NAPS, Boston Selects, and Stoney Creek. Upcoming tournaments include Two Nations Detroit, Two Nations Toronto, Bauer, Can Am Madison, JWHL and others.
I have also been selected each year for the USA Hockey Central Districts Player Development Camp, and attended the National Camp in St. Cloud, MN. I have been putting into practice the advice I was given at these camps, and am committed to growing in strength, speed, and skill over the course of this season.
All of these experiences have confirmed that I am right where I want to be. As I continue to pursue my academic and athletic goals I am committed to being a strong contributor and leader to my team and my coaches. I hope to leave whatever college I attend as an alumni that my teachers and coaches are proud of, and as someone who takes that same work ethic on and off the ice to my future career and beyond.
Lauren Hennessy
