University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers Add Three for 2015-16
12/12/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Hockey
MINNEAPOLIS - The Gopher women's hockey team has signed three student-athletes to attend the University of Minnesota and join the team for the 2015-16 academic year. Head coach Brad Frost is pleased to welcome Sarah Potomak, Sophie Skarzynski and Taylor Williamson to the Gopher family.
"We are thrilled with all of the players who have chosen to become Golden Gophers," Frost said. "All three bring international experience that will help them transition smoothly into the college game. Not only are they great players, but more importantly, they will be coachable, great teammates and will add greatly to our strong culture."
Sarah Potomak (Aldergrove, British Columbia)
Sarah Potomak joins the Gophers from Aldergrove, British Columbia, where she competes for the Pursuit of Excellence Hockey Academy. As a junior in 2013-14, Potomak recorded 60 points on 29 goals and 31 assists in 42 games after logging 56 points as a sophomore the previous year. Potomak also been involved with Canada's National Women's Under-18 Team, winning gold at the 2014 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 Women's World Championship and leading all players with nine points on five goals and four assists in five games during the tournament in Budapest, Hungary. She also attended the 2013 IIHF Women's High Performance Camp in Sheffield, England. Potomak recently competed for Canada in the three-game series against the United States' Women's Under-18 Select Team in August 2014, and she attended Canada's National Women's Fall Festival in September 2014 as well. She is the daughter of Jane and Steve Potomak.
Frost on Potomak:
"Sarah is an incredibly skilled player. She has elite skating ability, high end finish and is extremely passionate about the game of hockey. Sarah will make an immediate impact within our program. She will help lead Canada's U-18 team this January at the world championships as well."
Potomak on Why Minnesota:
"I chose the University of Minnesota for many different reasons. The first one being the team's past success and history with winning multiple national championships as well as the depth and caliber of the hockey team that will make me better every day. Second, the team's culture and atmosphere. It's a team-first mentality, and the girls are amazing people. Thirdly, the coaches, Brad, Joel and Nadine - I have a special relationship with each of them and can't wait to be coached by them. I also chose the U of M because of Minnesota's academics with so many different educational opportunities and the rich history of overall athletic achievements. I love the state of Minnesota and how much of a hockey state it is! I am very blessed and grateful to be able to attend the U of M and be a part of the Gopher women's hockey team."
Sophie Skarzynski (Lake Forest, Ill.)
Sophie Skarzynski joins the Gophers from Lake Forest, Ill., and the Chicago Mission. Under coaches Tony Cachey and Tom Mandarino, Skarzynski and the Mission were 2014 Under-19 Illinois Tier 1 state and region champions before going on to take the bronze medal at the Tier 1 National Championships a year after bringing home a silver medal. Skarzynski's USA Hockey experience includes participating in the August 2013 and August 2014 Women's National Festival and Under-18 three-game series with Canada. She also earned silver with the U.S. Under-18 team at the 2014 IIHF World Women's U18 Championships in Budapest, Hungary. Skarzynski has attended USA Hockey National Development Camps since 2010-11 as well. She is the daughter of Peter and Caren Skarzynski.
Frost on Skarzynski:
"Sophie comes from a great Chicago Mission program, where both Megan Bozek and Cara Piazza played. She is a hard-working player with great offensive skills. Sophie is very versatile, being able to play both forward and defense. She loves the game of hockey and will compete for the United States at the U-18 world championships in January."
Skarzynski on Why Minnesota:
"Choosing the University of Minnesota was an easy decision after learning what a great culture surrounds its student-athletes, specifically the Gopher women's hockey team. Values are important within my family, and knowing the team has values that every player commits to made me fall in love with the U even more. In addition, academically I know the University's drive for excellence will only encourage me to be the best I can possibly be, both on and off the ice."
Taylor Williamson (Edina, Minn.)
Taylor Williamson joins the Gophers from Edina, Minn., where she currently competes Edina High School and head coach Laura Slominski, a former Gopher. Williamson enters her senior season with the Hornets as a three-time All-Lake Conference honoree, a two-time all-state honoree and a Star Tribune All-Metro First Team selection. In her first three varsity seasons, Williamson amassed 141 career points on 70 goals and 71 assists, including a 53-point junior campaign while leading the Hornets to a 17-8-3 overall record. She was a 2014 USA Today All-USA Girls High School Hockey second team honoree as well. In addition to competing for Edina, Williamson has experience competing for the Minnesota Junior Whitecaps and the Upper Midwest Elite League. A member of the U.S. Women's National Under-18 Team, Williamson earned silver at the 2014 International Ice Hockey Federation U18 Women's World Championship in Budapest, Hungary. Williamson has also participated in two Under-18 Series against Canada and is a three-time USA Hockey Player Developmental Camp attendee. She is the daughter of Beth and Dean Williamson.
Frost on Williamson:
"Taylor comes from a great hockey family and a great hockey community. Her father and her grandfather played for the U, and she is excited to carry on that tradition. Taylor has soft hands and tremendous vision, and she works extremely hard on both ends of the ice. She has played a big role for Team USA at previous world championships."
Williamson on Why Minnesota:
"I chose the University of Minnesota because I instantly fell in love with the coaching staff, team and campus. The University of Minnesota has the best of both worlds - not only are the school and academics outstanding, but it is an honor to say I will be joining the best women's hockey team in the nation. The environment and culture that the U has created are unlike any other. I am so excited to be a part of that next year."
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