University of Minnesota Athletics
Meet the Newcomers: Nina Rodgers
9/24/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Hockey
MINNEAPOLIS - The Golden Gopher women's hockey team welcomes four new freshmen for the 2014-15 season. One of the talented freshmen is right-handed forward Nina Rodgers, a native of Minnetonka, Minn.
Rodgers, a 2014 Minnesota Ms. Hockey finalist, played high school hockey for coach Vin Paolucci at Hopkins High School. As a senior, she recorded 50 points, including 26 goals. Rodgers has also skated with the U.S. Under-18 Team, and she earned silver with Team USA at the 2014 and 2013 IIHF U-18 Women's World Championships.
Gopher Sports: How did you first start playing hockey?
Nina Rodgers: I watched my sister play hockey when I was four years old, and I decided I wanted to try it. It looked fast and fun.
GS: What other sports did you play growing up?
NR: I grew up playing basketball, softball, soccer and tennis.
GS: What was your high school hockey experience like?
NR: It was fun playing hockey in high school. We were a very close team. I am so grateful to have met each and every one of those girls.
GS: How did you end up choosing the University of Minnesota?
NR: I always wanted to be a Gopher! The University of Minnesota has a great women's hockey program and excellent academic programs. I got to know the coaches and players, and it felt like family.
GS: Do you have a major or career field in mind?
NR: Yes, I plan to major in physics.
GS: What do you like to do in your free time?
NR: I enjoy photography, playing all other sports, going to the beach, watching Netflix, and spending time with family and friends.
GS: What has your USA Hockey experience been like?
NR: It was an honor to play with the USA Under-18 team and represent my country in Finland and Hungary. I also had the opportunity to attend the IIHF High Performance Camp this summer in Finland and enjoyed meeting and playing with players and coaches from other countries.
GS: Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
NR: I always listen to music and put on my gear the same way - right knee pad before left, right skate then left skate.
GS: What are you most looking forward to about Gopher women's hockey?
NR: I'm really excited about being part of this team and wearing the "M" every day.
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