Ileini Hirt '26 Recruiting Profile

My name is Ileini Hirt pronounced "Elaine-y Hurt." When I was six, I saw a flyer for all girls' hockey and really wanted to play. Eight years later, I've played goalie, defense and forward for both co-ed and girls' hockey. Three big things I've learned so far are I love my family, I love playing hockey, and I love being competitive on the ice. To be a better teammate and person I work hard on improving my mental and physical well-being. If I fall I get back up and ask for help if needed. If my teammates are sad I do my best to help pick them up too. 

For the upcoming 23-24 hockey season I will be playing my first year of high school hockey for Denfeld High School in Duluth, MN. I'm so excited to play and learn more at a more competitive level. Last season, I was a starter and Away Captain for the Duluth Icebreakers 15UB team. My favorite position was defense, but I also played Center, and backed up our goalie. I learned so much! I'm glad I was able to help my team and play where they needed me.

I have so much more to learn about hockey, how to be a good student and a good leader so I've been getting involved in different things to help me grow. May-August 2023 I participated in Blake Bolden's Embolden Her Mentorship program. I'm so grateful for the experience and being able to speak with high level players about sports, life and self-care! Starting this Fall 2023 I will be a Student Mental Health Ambassador for the U.S. Center for Mental Health and Sport. Being healthy isn't just physical, so I'm looking forward to helping raise awareness about the importance of mental health. 

While I really love hockey and want to keep playing, I'm doing my best to keep trying new things like lacrosse and acting. I will have a lot to do with honors and AP classes this sophomore year, but I know I can manage my time and succeed in anything I want to do. I'm grateful for my family and my teachers who have already helped me with so much. I look forward to showing a future college hockey team what I'm capable of. Being able to go to college after high school would be an amazing experience that will change my life!