Personal Statement
I was adopted at seven months old by my parents, Shannon and Jeffrey Gruninger. I lived in suburban Philadelphia for fifteen years. I learned how to skate at four years old at the Hill School rink in Pottstown, Pennsylvania where the Pottstown Penguins played. I started in the learn to play and Mite program with the Penguins and then moved to different programs. Hockey has been my go to sport since I was little. I tried football and soccer and didn’t like them. I also played dek (sneaker) hockey and roller hockey. I have played all positions but am most comfortable as a left defense man or left wing as I am a goal scorer as defense.
At six years old, I was diagnosed with an immune deficiency called IGG deficiency. To help build my immunity, I received six months of immunoglobulin therapy called IVIG. It was hard on my body but I wouldn’t give up. At seven years old I was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), which is a disorder of the nervous system. Because of this, I struggled early on with hockey but I kept playing because I loved it so much and I wasn’t going to give up. My Occupational Therapists incorporated by love for hockey into my sensory integration therapy. One of the therapies that was incorporated was Interactive Metronome. This tool is now used in numerous ways for athletes and teams alike, even in the NHL (Interactive Metronome for Athletes). Having defeated SPD, it has pushed me to work hard and never take my skills for granted. I continue to work hard to advance my skills every day off and on the ice.
Academics is something that has affected by SPD along with having to move multiple times and states over two years due to deaths in the family. I got behind academically and I continue to battle with that still. That is a continuing battle that I work much harder than my peers on and I still struggle.
If you want someone who never gives up, is always up for the battle, and forges through adversity, I am your player!
For more information on me including pictures and videos of my story, please go to: https://royceghockey.wordpress.com or my YouTube channel :
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnLgQ6Z_s1B6DFZz4RvQZsw
This is kept updated with the latest stats, pictures, video, and also shows a historical reference of my continued love and devotion to the sport of hockey.
My NCAA eligibility center number is 1801107812
