Marybeth Graham '24 Recruiting Profile

Hello, my name is Beth Graham. I have been skating since I was four and playing hockey since I was five. Playing collegiate hockey is a dream of mine. And I know that I am the right kind of player to continue my athletic and academic journey. To begin with, I do not accept mediocrity. I push myself during practices and games no matter how tired I am or bad it hurts. I train at Fort Knox Fitness with a personal trainer (who played D1 football and professionally for a bit). I do workouts and exercises that are difficult and uncomfortable. I skate with a power skating coach during the off season.  I also go to practices (during off season) that are hosted by a junior coach, with junior and college players. Whenever I have free time, I use it to polish and perfect my skills. The next reason is that I hold myself accountable. I own up to mistakes. I take my coaches corrections and critiques to heart, without getting offended. Time management is a great skill that I have learned over the years. It has definitely taken some trial and error! Over the years I have realized that I am not your one hundred goals a season type of player. I take a lot of pride in being a two hundred feet, two-way player. I am a powerful skater who plays a very physical game (but I do NOT spend a lot of time in the box), I am recognized as being a great passer, with a very good and versatile shot as I am very strong. I am an aggressive forechecker and back checker and I am very strong on the penalty kill. Even though I play an offensive position (all three!) I have realized that my defensive abilities have to be as good as my offensive abilities. Since moving to center last year I lead my team in blocked shots (and bruises). Next, I'm always willing to put myself out there. I try my hardest during school and hockey. I am not afraid to put myself in classes that are difficult. I had played for a team three hours away from me, for four seasons. Now I play for the Colorado 14ers, which is eight hours away from where I live. I attend high level hockey camps. I speak up when it is necessary. I'm willing to be in situations that may be uncomfortable as they make me better. An example of this would be me taking up playing center. I had only centered a few games. But when my coach informed me that they were going to need to move me to center for the season I welcomed the challenge. The last reason is that I always keep going. During the pandemic I like many others had serious mental health struggles. But I recognized that and got the help I needed and came out stronger for it. I always push myself through all adversity that presents itself. Failure does not scare me, nor does it define me. In conclusion, I will do whatever it takes to pursue my dream of playing collegiate hockey.