University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers Add Two to 2009-10 Recruiting Class
5/28/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Hockey
University of Minnesota women’s hockey head coach Brad Frost has announced that Samantha Downey (Hermantown, Minn.) and Katie Frischmann (Rochester, Minn.) will join the Golden Gopher program for next year. The two additions close out the Gopher freshman recruiting class for the 2009-2010 campaign, which also includes Megan Bozek (Buffalo Grove, Ill.), Becky Kortum (Minnetonka, Minn.), Mira Jalosuo (Lieksa, Finland) and Noora Rty (Espoo, Finland).
Downey, a 5-foot, 9-inch forward, has signed a National Letter of Intent. She joins the Gopher program after a successful senior year with Proctor-Hermantown-Marshall. An all-state honoree in 2008-09, Downey broke the school record with 37 goals and 74 points. She was also an all-area selection and a member of the News Tribune All-Twin Ports Girls’ hockey team as she helped the Mirage to a 20-7-1 record. Prior to her tenure at Hermantown, Downey competed with the Silver Bay Mariners. In her last season with Silver Bay in 2007-08, Downey broke the school record for most points in a season (60) and held over 200 in her career. She was named the team’s 2003-04 rookie of the year and was the team’s best offensive player in 2004-05 and 2006-07. A six-year letterwinner in hockey, Downey is also a six-year letterwinner in softball.
“Sam has tremendous size and skill,” Frost said. “Her hands and her vision are two of her biggest assets. We look forward to having Sam on our team and we are happy that she can live out her dream and play for the Gophers.”
"I chose to be a Gopher because it has been a life-long dream,” Downey said. “I grew up looking at the student athletes as my role models and I hope when I get there I can be a part of it too. The U has great academics, great athletics and great people. Who wouldn't want to be a part of that?"
Frischmann, a 5-5 defenseman, has received an acceptance of admission into the university. She played with the Minnesota Thoroughbreds for three years. Last year as a senior, Frischmann was a captain for a team that went 33-25-5. Her only year of high school hockey competition came in ninth grade, where she was an all-conference selection with Rochester Century. She also competed in the development program (CODP) from eighth to 11th grade. Along with her accomplishments on the ice, Frischmann was a four-year letterwinner in the soccer and a three-year letterwinner in lacrosse.
“Katie is a strong skater who has an excellent shot,” Frost said. “She is versatile in that she can play both defense and forward. Katie is a fantastic student and we are excited that Katie will be joining the Gopher family.”
“I chose to become a Gopher because I love the campus, location and the atmosphere,” Frischmann said. “The academics are world class. I couldn’t ask for a better coaching staff and support team in a program, the success and traditions of this team are unsurpassed.”
Downey, a 5-foot, 9-inch forward, has signed a National Letter of Intent. She joins the Gopher program after a successful senior year with Proctor-Hermantown-Marshall. An all-state honoree in 2008-09, Downey broke the school record with 37 goals and 74 points. She was also an all-area selection and a member of the News Tribune All-Twin Ports Girls’ hockey team as she helped the Mirage to a 20-7-1 record. Prior to her tenure at Hermantown, Downey competed with the Silver Bay Mariners. In her last season with Silver Bay in 2007-08, Downey broke the school record for most points in a season (60) and held over 200 in her career. She was named the team’s 2003-04 rookie of the year and was the team’s best offensive player in 2004-05 and 2006-07. A six-year letterwinner in hockey, Downey is also a six-year letterwinner in softball.
“Sam has tremendous size and skill,” Frost said. “Her hands and her vision are two of her biggest assets. We look forward to having Sam on our team and we are happy that she can live out her dream and play for the Gophers.”
"I chose to be a Gopher because it has been a life-long dream,” Downey said. “I grew up looking at the student athletes as my role models and I hope when I get there I can be a part of it too. The U has great academics, great athletics and great people. Who wouldn't want to be a part of that?"
Frischmann, a 5-5 defenseman, has received an acceptance of admission into the university. She played with the Minnesota Thoroughbreds for three years. Last year as a senior, Frischmann was a captain for a team that went 33-25-5. Her only year of high school hockey competition came in ninth grade, where she was an all-conference selection with Rochester Century. She also competed in the development program (CODP) from eighth to 11th grade. Along with her accomplishments on the ice, Frischmann was a four-year letterwinner in the soccer and a three-year letterwinner in lacrosse.
“Katie is a strong skater who has an excellent shot,” Frost said. “She is versatile in that she can play both defense and forward. Katie is a fantastic student and we are excited that Katie will be joining the Gopher family.”
“I chose to become a Gopher because I love the campus, location and the atmosphere,” Frischmann said. “The academics are world class. I couldn’t ask for a better coaching staff and support team in a program, the success and traditions of this team are unsurpassed.”
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