Conlon St. John '21 Recruiting Profile

I have always had a passion for team sports, especially hockey. Sports, like hockey, have provided me with many experiences, pushing me to work hard, to always be improving, and to help my fellow teammates. It has also helped me to achieve a sense of accomplishment, kept me healthy and physically fit. My love of sports and exercise has inspired me to give something back and a degree in Kinesiology or Exercise Science will help me to do just that. With a 4-year degree, I am provided with a number of opportunities and career choices, such as physiotherapy, sports medicine, athletic trainer, or even a team coach.

I’ve enjoyed many athletic activities and sports throughout the years. In grade school, I played youth football, baseball, and hockey. When I reached high school, I added golf and tennis to my athletic resume. I even found myself in the high school weight room several times a week. Of all the sports I played, however, I was most passionate about hockey. Over my middle school and high school career, I have played with a US/Canadian border league in Stanstead, Quebec (Border Jets), a local tournament team (Vermont Black Ice), my high school varsity team (North Country Falcons), and with a varsity team at a private school (Lyndon Institute Vikings).

Hockey has pushed my limits and has taught me how to think on my feet. As a goalie, I’ve learned that there is no time for self-consciousness. A goalie must learn to deal with the pressure of being the last line of defense when all eyes are on you as a skater with the puck is approaching rapidly. They take the shot and you have to be the one who either stops them in their tracks or goes down trying.

With all my years playing the game, I’ve been able to use my experience to give something back to my community. A few years back, I participated in a Summer Camp program for the Newport Parks and Rec. Dept. as a Counselor-in-Training. This program gave me a chance to share my love of sports with younger kids. I ran many sports activities and taught them several games. After playing for Border Hockey in Stanstead, Quebec, I became a recurring volunteer for the program. For 3 years, I helped young goalies learn the net inside and out, developing their skills. I have also filled in as a coach for their youth goalie clinic when they needed.

Needless to say, the COVID-19 Pandemic has severely affected sports. Sports have started to open along with schools, however under extreme limitations. I haven’t been able to help out with the young goalie programs with Border Hockey this year, and high school Winter sports have been delayed for the foreseeable future. Considering that it is my final year in high school, it has been upsetting to imagine not being able to play with my senior team. What has gotten my hopes up, however, is that I will be starting college this upcoming Fall. I look forward to starting this new chapter of my life, meeting new people, and educating myself in classes that will help me reach my goals and benefit my future.