University of Minnesota Athletics
McMillen Reflects on Gophers Career
6/29/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Hockey
By Hannah Barnes, Athletic Communications Student Intern
MINNEAPOLIS - As Milica McMillen finished her college career this spring, she left her mark on the Golden Gopher women's hockey record book ranked among the top-scoring defensemen in program history. McMillen's 120 career points rank fourth among all-time defensemen, and her 44 career goals are second in program history.
Despite having a knack for finding the back of the net, McMillen did not focus her game on scoring but instead what could be done to help the team.
"I just happened to be in the right spot. I didn't really focus on that too much," McMillen said. "It's always nice to get recognized for hard work and obviously the national championships speak for themselves."
Her hard work paid off as McMillen won her third national championship with the Gophers last March and was able to end her Gopher career with a win.
"You don't feel like there is anything unfinished," McMillen said. "To end it with a final win, it was great to keep the championship in Minnesota."
Although her career with the Gophers has come to a close, McMillen still plans to play hockey, as she recently signed a contract with the New York Riveters of the NWHL.
McMillen plans to stay in Minnesota for the summer, but she is ready for the new chapter of her life to begin when she moves to New York in September. She is excited to continue to inspire young girls to play hockey.
"There has been professional hockey with the Minnesota Whitecaps and the CWHL, but to sign a real contract and get paid to play is the coolest thing for women's hockey," McMillen said.
"Little girls can come watch us play and say, 'I want to do that'," McMillen said. "I think that will probably be the coolest part."
McMillen notes that even though she is moving on to professional hockey, the Gophers will always have a special place in her heart.
"You get to know your teammates so well, and I will miss the coaches, too," McMillen said. "It is pretty much a family. It's something that you carry with you forever."
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