University of Minnesota Athletics
Five Minutes with Taylor Williamson
10/19/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Hockey
MINNEAPOLIS -- Sophomore forward Taylor Williamson played in 38 games as a freshman last season, seeing action at both wing and center. The Edina, Minn., native recorded 15 points with five goals and 10 assists as a rookie and looks to continue strengthening her game this season.
Williamson breaks down some of the biggest plays in her Gophers career so far and talks fishing and the oudoors, linemates, Maroon & Gold family ties, and more.
Gopher Sports: Was your goal against Wisconsin last year in the Frozen Four semifinals your most memorable goal or memorable moment as a freshman?
Taylor Williamson: Oh, without a doubt, that was so exciting. We were actually just talking about it with our six recruits that we had this weekend and just saying how exciting it was and that we really can't remember anything except going through the line with all the girls. Everyone was just so excited.
GS: How did that play set up? If I remember correctly, you were in the middle of a line change so you weren't with your normal line mates at the time.
TW: I had stayed out longer; Amanda Kessel was supposed to be out there. But, for some reason I thought, 'Go up there.' Lee was taking it wide and bringing it down below the goal line, and she just slipped that puck out right before going behind the net. I was just right there in the slot and saw the five hole open.
GS: How are you going to top winning a national championship your freshman year?
TW: We obviously all know our end goal, but like Coach always says, it's a process. We're taking it game by game.
GS: You had a big assist on Lindsay Agnew's goal against Minnesota Duluth last weekend. What happened on that play?
TW: We were having a line change, and right when I was getting off I saw Megan get the puck and I knew exactly that the middle lane would be open. So, I just took off and started going that way and was able to beat the D to it. I saw Lindsay in the corner of my eye coming, and I knew that if I got it to her she be putting it in the back of the net.
GS: You played some center last year, and you were moved to wing later in the year. What do you prefer?
TW: Honestly, it doesn't matter to me. Where ever Coach needs me, I will go and do it to the best of my ability. There are things about center and wing that I like to do a lot. With center, I get to be in there and battle a little more than what I would at wing. But, at the same time, I love being able to off wing actually, more specifically come in on my forehand and be able to create plays that way too, which is really fun.
GS: You've spent some time on a line with Alex Woken and Lindsay Agnew this season. What's it like playing with them?
TW: Those guys are awesome, amazing talent, great speed. Both have amazing shots, so its been really fun and honestly amazing chemistry with them right off the bat. You could kinda see that in our game against Bemidji State, so its been a ton of fun. I know that every game they're just going to be gaining more confidence and we will be better as a line every shift.
GS: Do you think there is a specific reason you were paired up with them? Maybe you could relate with them a little bit?
TW: Being closer in age, and I think in a way how we think about the game is similar as well. I mean, Coach must have seen it as well for him to think to put us together and it's been great so far.
GS: Your father Dean and your grandfather Murray were both Golden Gophers, so there's a lot of Maroon blood in your family?
TW: Oh yeah, we're a Gopher family for sure. It played a little bit of a role, but honestly deciding to come here I knew that this was the place to be. It is super fun and exciting to be that third generation Williamson, and I guess it did persuade me knowing that I was going to Gopher games when I was not even a year old.
GS: Who has better stories, your dad or your grandfather?
TW: Honestly, I would say my grandpa. He was actually recruited by John Mariucci in a pool bar, a lot different than it is today. Those stories are amazing, and it's just crazy to see the culture and the tradition that is still here today. It's super cool.
GS: Off the ice, you're a very active outdoor person. How does a girl from Edina end up enjoying fishing and water skiing and all those lake activities?
TW: I think its because of my family and how I was raised right away. My dad always had us doing as many things as he could think of, and being out there fishing, hunting, and just being outside on the lake, it just was something super fun, different than hockey. I was either on the lake or in the rink. It was something that I enjoyed right away.
GS: What kind of fish do you like to fish for?
TW: I love fishing for walleye, any Minnesotan would say that one. I also love fishing for bass cause they give you a little battle.
GS: A couple of years ago when Minnesota played in the Hall of Fame game in Edina, you were obviously committed to Minnesota at that time, did that kind of reaffirm you that you made the right decision?
TW: Yes, that was an amazing night. I was at that game, a ton of fans. It was just one of those things, getting to see the future team that I would be with at the rink where everything started for me, it was one of those realizations, like, 'I am supposed to be a Gopher.' I was so excited and couldn't wait to get that Maroon and Gold on. To be able to now be wearing it and go back to Braemar is amazing, and I am so excited. I hope we get as many fans as possible there.
GS: That's right, the Hall of Fame game is there again this year, so it should be a lot of fun and I'm sure a lot of memories will be stirred up?
TW: It's going to be a great battle it's against Mankato this year, so it's always going to be a good fight against them.
Williamson and the Gophers play on the road in Columbus, Ohio, this weekend. Puck drop between Minnesota and Ohio State is set for 5:07 p.m. CT Friday and 2:07 p.m. CT Saturday.
Listen to Williamson's complete interview hosted by the voice of Gopher women's hockey, Dan Hamann.
Williamson's favorite...
Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite musician: Meghan Trainor
Favorite colo: Blue
Favorite TV show: Friday Night Lights
Favorite sport besides hockey: Soccer
Favorite practice drill: Willow tip
Favorite spot on campus: Ridder
Favorite motivational quote: "Somewhere in the world someone is training when you are not. When you face them, they will win."
Favorite candy: Reeses
Favorite animal: Monkey
Favorite holiday: Christmas
Favorite Halloween costume you wore as a kid: All the Disney princesses
Role model: Winny Brodt
Favorite thing to do in your spare time: Hammock outside
Favorite thiing about the Twin Cities: All the fun different activities you are able to do
First job you had: Manager of the neighborhood lemonade stand
Biggest fear: Peacocks
Favorite super hero: Captain America
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