Caitlyn Keenan '18 Recruiting Profile

In the beginning, hockey was just a game to me and something that was exciting to watch on television. I remember learning to skate with my younger brother at lessons always being competitive and seeing who was better. One of the reasons I started playing was because my family was very into the game and when my brother was playing and getting all the attention while I watched I asked my parents why cant I do that. Next thing I knew I was playing in a roller hockey league having a blast when my parents signed me up for a girls ice hockey team and I've been playing since. When I started playing it was just for fun taking face offs, skating down the rink, winning and losing games. Little did I know I would fall in love with the game and get so much more than just a game out of the whole experience. 

As a teammate, I am dependable and always there no matter what. Though my team doesn't have captains I can honesty say that my team is able to count on me. There have been several occasions where my teammates have been able to come over to me and want to talk about problems they're having on the ice or with the team and even personal situations where they have just needed someone to listen. The best part about being on a team is everyone learns to trust each other. Being on a team with only 10 skaters really makes you work and use your team. I am just as good of an individual as a team player, setting up my players on the ice and getting them an opportunity is just as exciting as scoring yourself.

As for my achievements, I have been on smaller girls teams for years but that doesn't mean anything except you use the ice and it has to be a team game to preserve energy. It has taught be to use my teammates and use the full ice. I have gone to Nationals 3 years in a row each time with a team with less than 12 skaters. My first year at Nationals we only had 10 skaters and made it all the way to the championship where we finished in 2nd place. 

If I had to describe myself in one word i would say determined. On and off the ice I push myself to be the absolute best person I can be. Though in school I may struggle sometimes I always find a way around the problem and complete the tasks given. By studying and staying positive about my future and not getting too down on myself I am able to get past the obstacles that our thrown in my way. I know that everything will work out as long as you push through and give each task your full effort each and every time. 

My expectations for college is to be at a place where I can challenge myself and push myself to become a better person in general. Being able to play in college would truly be a dream by playing at the highest level and competing for a game that means so much to me. Athletic activities have taken up so much of my time and have brought so much excitement into my life. Going through the ups and downs of a contact sport, it has given me interest of studying in athletic training where I can relate and help others get back out there and live out their dreams.