University of Minnesota Athletics
Meet the Newcomers: Tianna Gunderson
7/24/2015 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 Tianna Gunderson out of Roseau, Minn. A forward who shoots left, Gunderson is gifted with her ability to find the back of the net.
Gunderson tallied 50 points (32 goals, 18 assists) in 28 games during her senior year of high school. She led the Rams to a winning record, ending the season at 19-4-2. During her time with the Rams, she experienced a lot of success, including a consolation championship finish at the 2012 Minnesota Class AA State Hockey Tournament. Gunderson was also named team MVP for her senior season.
Gunderson joins Emma May, Anna Barlow, Caitlin Reilly, Sarah Potomak, Nicole Schammel, Sophie Skarzynski, Sierra Smith and Taylor Williamson 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?
Tianna Gunderson: I always wanted to play, and started when I was three or four years old. My older brother played, and ever since he did, I wanted to, as well.
GS: What other sports did you play growing up?
TG: I played volleyball.
GS: What made you choose the University of Minnesota?
TG: I love the coaching staff, team and the atmosphere. The academics were definitely a big factor, too.
GS: Do you have a major or career field in mind?
TG: Not yet, I am still undecided.
GS: Other than hockey, what do you like to do in your free time?
TG: I like to hang out with my family and friends, go to the lake, and hunt at the cabin.
GS: What are you most looking forward to about playing for the Gophers?
TG: I have heard that the Gophers have the best atmosphere. Also, I am excited to play for one of the best teams in the country.
GS: Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
TG: It depends, but I always tape and wax my stick before a game. When I was a sophomore in high school, I would watch Miracle the night before every game that I played.
GS: What is your favorite part about playing hockey?
TG: Even in Roseau, we would always have a great atmosphere at the rink. It is fun playing in front of people who love to watch hockey.
GS: What did it mean to you to be named the Rams Team MVP during your senior year of high school?
TG: I was honored to be recognized.
GS: What is your most memorable high school hockey moment?
TG: I would say winning the section championship in 2012 and 2014.
GS: How did playing for multiple club teams develop and help you as a player?
TG: As part of the team, I was able to travel to a tournament in Vermont, and we played against the top players in the country. It helped me learn the areas of my game that I needed to improve, and the ones in which I was doing well. I was able to figure out where I stood among other girls.
GS: What was it like winning the consolation championship at the Minnesota Class AA State Tournament in 2012?
TG: It was awesome and definitely a lot of fun. It was so cool to go back home with that trophy.
###
