Victoria Cottrell '19 Recruiting Profile

I am Victoria Cottrell, currently a junior at Orchard Park High School in Orchard Park, NY. Being a goalie has been a passion of mine for five years. My first step on the ice was seven years ago, which is when I instantly fell in love with the sport. When I was twelve my coach took a chance on me and helped me become a goalie. He promised I could only play twenty games that year, however I ended up playing twice as many games and was the starting goaltender for the state championship game at the end of the year. Being apart of the team helped me realize what the sport is about and so my passion grew. I decided I wanted to work hard and to play the most competitive college hockey I can.

It’s hard to put into words what hockey has done for me. I have learned self-discipline, that teamwork is not always glamorous, and sacrifices are inevitable to get where you want to go. I’ve decided in the last few years that I want to pursue physical education, so I’m looking for a school that best fits academically and athletically. I just want a place that’s passionate about the sport and a team that wants to win.

As a varsity starting goalie I had no idea what was going to come out of it, but it became one of the best experiences in my life. There have been times where I had to overcome negative criticism, nervousness, and adversity. In the last three years I’ve won the Section VI Championship    title, runners up in the State Championship, and the local Federation Championship in the 2016-17 season. After these accomplishments I set a goal to win a State title and to work hard to achieve this. Work hard really does pay off because this season my school team won all three championships possible this year, and that including a State title. Words cannot describe how empowering it feels to be number one in the state. Not only was it exhilarating, but it made me want to continue this after high school. My goal now is to keep my grades up, and work harder to improve on my skills of what can potentially be my future. I'm looking forward to choosing a school that best fits me academically, and to play on a team that was as passionate as mine when winning that Sate title. That is not only my goal, but a dream of mine. I believe my hard work and dedication will help me achieve this goal.