Players on the Neumann University women’s ice hockey team met students from the Drexel Neumann Academy in Chester on Feb. 19 to encourage them to attend college and earn a degree.

The meeting was at Ice Works in Aston. It took place before Neumann’s Senior Day celebration and home match against Manhattanville College.

Along with Coach Gina McLaughlin, players Jasmine Martinez and Vicky Maloney answered questions from more than a dozen DNA students and their parents about the life of a college athlete, including how to balance the demands of academics and sports.

In response to a question about the characteristics of a good hockey player, Maloney said, “It’s about dedication to the team. When I step on the ice today, I won’t be playing for me but for all of my sisters on the squad.”

After the meeting, the youngsters were treated to lunch and good seats at the game.

The 2021-22 season marked the 20th anniversary of women’s ice hockey at Neumann University, one of the first colleges in the region to launch the sport for women. Neumann now has 23 NCAA teams, 12 for women and 11 for men.

Learn more about Neumann’s academic majors and athletic programs,