Personal Statement
I am looking forward to the next phase of my education. There are two areas of interest for me academically, law enforcement and working with animals. I know that both can be incorporated into a career as a Police K9 Handler but hope to discover whether I prefer one or the other or both. As part of my college experience, I want to play women’s hockey. I am looking for an academic environment that can help me meet my future work goals but also allow me to play hockey for a team that I am best suited for.
Hockey has been a part of my everyday life since age four. The sport actually helps to keep me focused and happy off- ice so I can excel in all aspects of life. The majority of my recreational hockey has been spent playing for the Reston Raiders program in Northern Virginia. Until age thirteen, I played for the Raiders top boys team. At thirteen, I decided to join a girl’s travel hockey team, transitioning easily to Reston’s Girl’s Blue U16 Team for two years. For the last three years, I’ve played for the top Reston Raiders U19 team. In addition to my years with the Reston Raiders, I played both middle and high school hockey. Both middle and high school hockey were boy’s teams. During the last three years at Freedom HS, in South Riding, I’ve earned a starting position on the Varsity team.
Over the years, I have primarily played center but can easily adjust to a wing or defense as needed. My high school coach uses me as a defenseman on a regular basis. Throughout the season, my travel coach will place me on defense because of my offense ability on defense. I have a strong hockey IQ with stick handling and shooting as my strong points. I have a keen ability to score but can easily set my teammates up to score also. I am strong on the puck and can generally power thru players, but speed is an area that I need to continue to work on.
During my hockey career, I have been an assist team captain; 2 years on U16, 1 year U19. As an assistant captain, I lead by example during on and off ice sessions. I try to lead to the best of my ability, not only on ice but with life goals that my teammates try to strive for. In addition to hockey, I have participated in Cross Country, Lacrosse, and Track. I am currently in my third season as a starter for the Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse team, at Freedom High School. Lacrosse and running help to keep me prepared for an easy transition back to the ice each season.
During high school, I participated in various amounts of volunteering. For example, I did two years of FEA (Future Educators of America) helping children with academics at the local elementary school. I have also volunteered to teach new hockey players for Marymount University’s Club Hockey team. Outside of school, I occasionally volunteer with dog rescue programs and dog sit.
In 2017, I helped to secure advancement to Nationals in Troy, MI. USA hockey did a feature article about the game http://nationals.usahockey.com/news_article/show/769209?referrer_id=719613. I look forward to my college years, hoping to continue my love of hockey at the college level.
