University of Minnesota Athletics
Meet the Newcomers: Patti Marshall
6/30/2016 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 Patti Marshall. The right-handed defenseman out of Shattuck-St. Mary’s School has achieved many accolades throughout her career, including being named the captain of the U.S. Women's Under-18 Team for the 2016 IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship.
At Shattuck-St. Mary’s, Marshall won three national championships and was the team’s top scoring defenseman during her senior year. She capped off the year with 31 points (10g-31a) in 48 games.
Aside from her time at Shattuck-St. Mary’s, Marshall has been a participant in multiple USA camps. She has suited up for the Red, White, and Blue in various tournaments, taking home the gold medal twice and silver once.
Marshall joins Serena D’Angelo, Kippin Keller, Lindsay Agnew, Katie Robinson, and Alex Woken 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?
Patti Marshall: I moved to Thief River Falls when I was eight years old. The Ralph Engelstad Arena is there, and everyone seems to play hockey, so I just joined for the fun of it.
GS: Did you play any other sports growing up?
PM: As a kid, I was in every sport possible. I went to Shattuck-St. Mary’s my freshman year, and started playing just hockey.
GS: What made you choose the University of Minnesota?
PM: For me, it’s close to home. I also admire the success of the past teams and the coaches, and there are great academics here. I am undecided on a major so I don’t know what path I want to take, but I can do anything here.
GS: Other than hockey, what do you like to do in your free time?
PM: I live on a lake, so I like to spend all of my time on the water.
GS: What are you most looking forward to about playing for the Gophers?
PM: Probably just being on a team where everyone works as hard as you and has the same passion. Everyone is driven every single day, and they are all so talented.
GS: Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
PM: I only have one, and that is always putting on my left skate before my right skate.
GS: Who was your hockey role model growing up?
PM: My hockey role model was Gigi Marvin. She grew up an hour and a half away from where I am from. Growing up, I went to all of her camps.
GS: What is your favorite part about playing hockey?
PM: I like that it is a team sport. It isn’t individualized; you have to put teamwork into it. I love the competitiveness of it.
GS: When did you know playing at the next level was possible?
PM: I realized it at the end of my freshman year at Shattuck. My eyes opened, and I realized someday I might be able to go play college hockey.
GS: How do you think your experience with USA Hockey has helped you as a player?
PM: It opened my eyes. Growing up in Minnesota, it is so small. You realize there are all of these different countries and playing styles. There are so many roles you can learn on the team.
GS: How did it feel to win multiple championships at Shattuck-St. Mary’s?
PM: The first time was very special, then to come back and win it again, that was pretty special.
GS: How did it feel to win gold at the world championships?
PM: It’s always an honor to wear your country’s name on the crest of your jersey, so that makes it extra special. We had lost, so to come back and win again was cool.
GS: How does it feel to be joining your high school teammate, Alex Woken, at the University of Minnesota?
PM: Alex and I have been best friends since we were little kids, so it is cool to have taken the same path. Now I am more comfortable here and can work my way into things because she is my roommate. It’s pretty special to have a friend like that.
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