Cecily Hetzel '20 Recruiting Profile

Hockey is my passion! I have been skating since I was three years old and I started playing at age five. I realized that I wanted to play hockey at a higher level when my team won the 2015 Illinois State Championship and continued to Nationals. Even though I was only twelve years old at the time, I knew that when I scored and had a game-winning assist, the thrill of being part of such a renowned tournament was a feeling that I wanted to have for as long as possible. In April 2019, my U19 Prep team - Culver Girl's Academy returned time the National Championships and it was incredible opportunity to showcase our talents at the highest level.

From playing hockey, I have learned so many important life skills, including: dedication, teamwork and leadership. As I got older, I realized that I would need to make choice between sports and activities; and while I was home, I decided in middle school that I wanted to focus more on hockey, so I gave up soccer, a sport I had played since I was four years old. I have also spent the majority of the last two summers focusing on hockey conditioning, puck-handling skills and playing in national and international tournaments. Hockey has instilled in me a great sense of teamwork not only on the ice, but off as well. On the ice, I believe in passing the puck and utilizing my teammates to score as much as possible. Off the ice, I have enjoyed working with teammates doing community service with organizations such as GLASA Sled Hockey to assist handicapped hockey players in improving their game and Relay for Life. Hockey has also taught me to lead by example through playing with integrity and respect for the game and fellow players. When I am playing, I know to always have good sportsmanship while still maintaining my aggression and competitive drive.

From all my years in school, I have always worked hard for the grades that I have earned. When I do not understand something, I am not afraid to ask questions. My work ethic and love of learning have enabled me to earn nearly straight A's throughout elementary and middle school, and finish my freshman year at Culver with a 3.85 GPA.  I continue to have a strong GPA midway though my Senior year and I've been elected an Assistant Captain for 2019-20.  My goal is to find a college where I can continue to excel in both the classroom and on the ice.