University of Minnesota Athletics
Meet the Newcomers: Kippin Keller
6/23/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Hockey
By Hannah Barnes, Athletic Communications Student Intern
MINNEAPOLIS - The Golden Gophers welcome six newcomers to the 2016-17 women's hockey team, including Kippin Keller, a native of Deephaven, Minn. The left-handed forward began her career at Benilde-St. Margaret's before completing her high school career at Minnetonka High School, winning multiple conference titles and finishing as a state runner-up two years in a row.
Keller suited up for Benilde-St. Margaret's for the first time in eighth grade before transferring to Minnetonka High School at the beginning of her junior year. She finished her high school career with 105 points (41g-64a).
Aside from playing with Benilde-St. Margaret's and Minnetonka High School, Keller was a three-time USA camp participant. She also spent time with the Minnesota Jr. Whitecaps, one of the top club teams in the state of Minnesota.
Gopher Sports: When did you start playing hockey?
Kippin Keller: I started playing when I was three.
GS: What other sports did you play growing up?
KK: I also played soccer. I had a tough time choosing if I wanted to play hockey or soccer in college. I was on a team for soccer and it took up a lot of time, but so did hockey. I had to choose one sport and finally I chose to focus on hockey my junior year of high school.
GS: What made you choose the University of Minnesota?
KK: I always loved the Gophers and went to their games since I was little, so it was a dream of mine to play here in college. I also liked being close to home. I know a lot of people who go to the U, too, and I just like being in Minnesota.
GS: Do you have a major or career field in mind?
KK: I don't have any specific majors that I want to do yet, but I've thought about majoring in kinesiology and going into physical therapy.
GS: Other than hockey, what do you like to do in your free time?
KK: I like to go on Lake Minnetonka on my boat. We have a surfing boat, so I like to do that with family and friends. Otherwise, I just like to hang out with my family and friends and go to the cabin.
GS: What are you most looking forward to about playing for the Gophers?
KK: I'm looking forward to playing for the coaching staff because they seem really awesome. I'm also looking forward to playing for a team that has won so many national championships. Hopefully I can win with them, too.
GS: Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
KK: I'm not really superstitious at all. I do whatever before games; I don't have any rituals.
GS: Who was your hockey role model growing up?
KK: I have always been obsessed with Sidney Crosby. I looked him up on YouTube and would always look at his hockey highlights. But, other than him, probably my dad.
GS: What is your favorite part about playing hockey?
KK: I would say just that it's different than other sports. It's a lot faster and fun. I also like the team part, and having the team be my best friends and getting to play with them.
GS: How has playing alongside many talented players shaped you as a player?
KK: I think it has helped me, especially playing with Caitlin (Reilly) at Benilde-St. Margaret's. I was two years younger than her, but I did play on her line. It helped me improve and work harder because she was so good. I just wanted to be a good linemate to her. I looked up to her when I was at Benilde and wanted to be like her. I would train so hard and do anything she did, and that helped me a lot.
GS: How do you think attending USA camps helped you as a player?
KK: I think it has helped me learn and see how many amazing players there are. It made me see how much better I had to get. I was basically just playing in my little town in Minnesota; being able to play with different girls and see different styles of play was helpful. Learning different styles of play helped me be able to adjust to any playing style. If I'm thrown on a line, I can adjust to it.
GS: How do you think playing club hockey with teams such as the Minnesota Jr. Whitecaps helped you as a player?
KK: That team was probably the best girls in Minnesota. It helped me play a faster game. We played tic-tac-toe, so you always had to be on point when playing on that team. You're always going 100 percent on every shift because every other girl is, so you want to be the same.
GS: How does it feel to be joining former teammates Kelly Pannek and Caitlin Reilly at the U?
KK: It's really comforting to have them there because I've already played with them for three years. I am really excited to play with them again. I know them both really well, and they're both really good role models to me. They give me great advice, so it's really comforting to come in knowing those two.
Meet the Newcomers Series: Meet Lindsay Agnew
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