University of Minnesota Athletics
Future Gopher Q&A: Stephanie Anderson
7/27/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Hockey
July 25, 2011
In the second of our series of features on the incoming freshman class on the women's hockey team, gophersports.com talked to Stephanie Anderson.
Stephanie Anderson, a 5-foot, 9-inch forward, played with the Minnesota Thoroughbreds for the past four seasons. Anderson, hailing from North St. Paul, has competed on the international level as well. Anderson was named to the United States Under-18 Team in 2010, while competing for the Under-18 Select Team in 2009. Prior to her time with the Thoroughbreds, Anderson played for her high school, North St. Paul, from 2006-08. She is also a standout softball player for the Polars.
Q: You're a second-generation Gopher hockey player as your dad also played for Minnesota. How much of a factor was that in your decision to come to the U of M to play for the Gophers?
A: It was a big part of my decision, my dad has been such a big influence in my hockey career ever since I was a little girl, being a father, and also a coach following in his footsteps is what I have always wanted to do.
Q: Since you're from the Twin Cities area and your family has ties to the U of M, did you attend a lot of Gopher sporting events when you were growing up?
A: When I was younger I did not attend many Gopher games. As time went on and I realized hockey could possibly become a big part of my future I started attending the games and wishing someday I could wear maroon and gold.
Q: You wear jersey number 18, does that number have any significance to you? How did you choose it?
A: My older sister Nicole wore the number 18; I have always looked up to her, so I started wearing the number and it stuck. This coming season I'm starting a new chapter of my life and deciding to wear number 28. The meaning behind this number is wearing number 18 for the past 10 years I didn't want to completely let it go. My dad was number 20 for the Gophers. Creating 28, which I'll be wearing this season.
Q: You played for the U.S. Under-18 Team, what was the best part of that experience?
A: The best part by far was being able to compete for my country. I also enjoyed meeting girls from all over the world, and making new friends.
Q: You also played softball in high school, what made you decide to focus on hockey for your college career?
A: I was not nearly committed to softball like I was to hockey growing up. Also, playing in the sun is not my favorite thing to do. Hockey was more joyful to play; it's a part of my family.
Q: Who is your all-time favorite hockey player?
A: Being a Minnesota Wild fan, I love to watch Koivu play; he has the neatest way of how he plays the game.
Q: You're on campus taking classes already this summer. What classes are you taking, and how do you like the U so far?
A: I am taking a writing course along with a literature course. I love it being on campus, learning my way around and adapting to good learning habits early is what I wanted. Meeting new people makes me really excited for the fall.
Q: Do you know what you'd like to major in here at the U?
A: I am not really sure on what I want to do yet for my major, but I am interested in becoming a nurse anesthesiologist. Right now, I'm just feeling out the classes before I make a decision.
Q: Outside of hockey, what are some of your hobbies and interests?
A: When I'm not at the rink, I like to be at the beach in the summer. I like to go to my cabin and fish. Watching movies and just hanging out with teammates is what I do most.
Q: Coach Frost anticipates that the 2011-12 team will be one of the strongest teams we've had. How does it feel to come in and be a part of a team with such high expectations?
A: I hope this upcoming season has the success everyone anticipates. I am excited to be a part of this program and for years to come, I am anxious to see how well we do.
