University of Minnesota Athletics
Meet the Newcomers: Taylor Williamson
7/20/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Hockey
By Hannah Barnes, Athletic Communications Student Intern
MINNEAPOLIS - The Golden Gopher women's hockey team is excited to welcome nine new players for the upcoming season, including freshman Taylor Williamson, a native of Edina, Minn. An all-around forward who shoots left, Williamson will join the Gophers for the 2015-16 season.
Williamson finished her senior season at Edina High School with 60 points (40 goals, 20 assists) in 27 games. She led her team to a state tournament appearance, scoring the game-winning goal in overtime during the section final game against Eden Prairie. Her continued impressive play led Edina to a third place finish in the state tournament, and she was also named the 2015 Minnesota Ms. Hockey.
Williamson is a member of the U.S. Women's National Under-18 Team. She has attended multiple national development camps and earned a silver medal with the team at the 2014 IIHF U-18 Women's World Championship.
Williamson joins Anna Barlow, Tianna Gunderson, Emma May, Caitlin Reilly, Nicole Schammel, Sophie Skarzynski, Sierra Smith and Sarah Potomak to make up next season's incoming class. Stay tuned as GopherSports.com introduces each of the new Gophers.
Gopher Sports: How did you start playing hockey?
Taylor Williamson: It was more that hockey was in my blood. My grandpa, dad and my uncles all played the game. When I was growing up, my dad always left me the option to play. When I was about five, I went up to him one day and said, "Dad, I want to play hockey," so that's kind of how it all started.
GS: What other sports did you play growing up?
TW: I played a lot, I played tee ball when I was little. I was also very into soccer, playing up until my ninth grade year. I played golf. My grandma has a barn, so I would ride and show horses, as well. That's definitely something people don't expect from a hockey player! Hockey and soccer were my main sports, though.
GS: What made you choose the University of Minnesota?
TW: There are so many things about it. I love the culture that the women's hockey team has created here. Like any other Minnesota girl will tell you, we've grown up watching them play and looked up to everyone on the team. I wanted to be just like them. The U is an amazing school with so many opportunities as well. Also, I chose the University of Minnesota because my grandpa and my dad both played here. My family had a huge role in my decision because I am very close with them. It just felt like home, really.
GS: Do you have a major or career field in mind?
TW: I have a couple ideas in mind. I am thinking either kinesiology or sport management, but I am still undecided.
GS: Other than hockey, what do you like to do in your free time?
TW: I love to be with my family and friends, mainly up at the lake in Brainerd. I go up to my cabin on Lake Margaret all of the time. I like to do basically anything active and outside. When I am up there, I waterski, wake surf, fish, and anything outdoors.
GS: What are you most looking forward to about playing for the Gophers?
TW: You know, just wearing that Maroon and Gold. It gives me chills thinking about the first game, the first time I get to put on that jersey. I'm just excited to be a part of a team that is so hardworking and dedicated. I'm also looking forward to having amazing coaches and teammates for support. I can't wait to be a part of the Gopher women's hockey team culture.
GS: Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
TW: Nothing too weird. I tape my stick before every game, stick-handle before I put my gear on, stretch, get a dynamic workout in, and then I'm ready to go!
GS: Who was your hockey role model growing up?
TW: I would say Winny Brodt. She helped me get to where I am today. She was always there and open to talk to me when I needed it. My other role model would be my dad. He has given me non-stop support, not just with hockey, but everything I've done over the years.
GS: What is your favorite part about playing hockey?
TW: The opportunities you get from playing are incredible. If I wouldn't have played, who knows if I would have gotten to go to the University of Minnesota? Playing on the United States U-18 team a couple of years ago, I was able to travel to Budapest, Hungary. If I didn't play, I would have never had that opportunity to meet so many amazing and different people, so that's one of many reasons I love the game. The pace is just awesome, too.
GS: What did winning Minnesota Ms. Hockey mean to you?
TW: It's hard to describe, but an incredible honor. My name is up there with current Gophers, former Gophers, including Winny [Brodt]; who had won it 20 years before me. My high school coach Laura Slominski also has won the award. Knowing that my name is up there with Olympians, former and current Gophers, and all of these people who have made such an impact on women's hockey, is so incredible. Hopefully I can do the same, too, as I am growing up.
GS: What was it like to make the state tournament during your senior year?
TW: It was so special. I couldn't have asked for a better group of girls. We worked our hardest that entire year and knew that our goal was to make it to the state tournament. We played such a great team; number one ranked in the state [Eden Prairie], and beat them in overtime during the section final game. It was definitely a feeling and memory I will not forget, that's for sure.
GS: What was your most memorable moment with the Hornets?
TW: I would say that it was the state tournament, probably. There are so many little memories, too. For example, moving into our locker rooms and getting our own space in the amazing complex that we have in Edina was great. Overall, I think the memories made with the girls I've grown up with and had the opportunity to play with in high school are all amazing.
GS: Can you describe you experiences with USA hockey? How has it impacted you as a player?
TW: USA Hockey has continued to push me to want to become better. It motivates me every day to play so I get to wear that Red, White, and Blue again. They have taught me so much more about the game. My knowledge grew a lot when getting to work with them.
GS: How does it feel to be joining the Gopher tradition, like your father and grandfather?
TW: It is really cool. Just knowing that I can be a part of something that was a huge portion of their lives is also really cool, and I am able to relate to them in that way. I think they are excited as well to see me carry on the Williamson tradition with the Gophers. The best part about them, though, is that throughout this entire process, they didn't have a bias. It was, "Wherever you go, we will be proud of you no matter what."
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