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. Ten 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. My hope for the future is to play for a school where I can major in Criminal Justice and Pre-Law studies.

Fall of 2024, I'll be a junior at Denfeld High school and starting my second year of high school hockey. To prepare, this summer I am using my Ann Bancroft Foundation grant to join two hockey development clinics and the Tier 1 college prospects camp in August. I'm looking forward to being a Northern Star again and helping out my team wherever I am needed.

For the 23-24 hockey season I played my first year of high school hockey for the Duluth Northern Stars in Duluth, MN. I played most of the season as defense for the JV team, but helped in goal also. I lettered the season as a Varsity player due to being chosen as a backup goalie in the end of season playoffs! 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! Fall 2023 I was selected to 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. Despite a heavy workload with school, I've been focused on learning and maintaining good grades.  I'm grateful for my family and my teachers who have 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!