University of Minnesota Athletics
Summer Update: Sophie Skarzynski
9/5/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Hockey
MINNEAPOLIS This summer, sophomore Sophie Skarzynski of the Gopher women's hockey team spent time working with the Herb Brooks Foundation.
The Herb Brooks Foundation works to grow the game of hockey around the Twin Cities, while creating a positive experience and teaching valuable lessons to all that play in honor of the late Herb Brooks.
Skarzynski was an instructor for various camps that took place in June and July at the Vadnais Heights Sports Center.
Eager to give back to her community, Skarzynski shares more about her experience with the Herb Brooks Foundation this summer.
Gopher Sports: What did you do for the Herb Brooks Foundation?
Sophie Skarzynski: For the Herb Brooks Foundation, I was an intern coach. I prepared practice plans for the on-ice sessions. I led on-ice sessions that were three hours, and the kids ranged from three years old to thirteen. I did a little bit of social media work with them, which was so fun. I also taught the kids about life goals, the importance of athletics and academics, and working hard to achieve goals. That was more of the off-ice stuff, but it was super cool. I really enjoyed it.
GS: What did you take away from working for the Herb Brooks Foundation?
SS: I definitely developed a lot of patience. I learned about how to work with co-workers. That wasn't that hard because I'm used to working with teammates. I think hockey helped; sports in general are about working with people who you might agree or disagree with and how to react when someone has a different idea that might be better than yours. I also learned how to prepare. I love public speaking, but I was super nervous the first time in front of the kids.
GS: How do you think working for the Herb Brooks Foundation impacted you as a person?
SS: I think it opened my eyes to the diversity in Minneapolis. Also, it made me thankful that my parents were able to enter me into a hockey program back in Chicago where I had the chance to develop my game.
GS: How did you get started working for the foundation?
SS: I love to volunteer. I volunteer through the M.A.G.I.C. program here on campus. Last February, I heard about a volunteer opportunity with the Herb Brooks Foundation. It worked out really well with my schedule, and I fell in love with it. My boss asked if I wanted to continue working with them in the summer, and it worked out really well to do it. It was a good learning experience.
GS: What was your favorite moment from working at the foundation?
SS: There were two boys from Minneapolis who came. At the beginning they couldn't skate, they were falling every time. By the last ice session, they had big smiles and could skate by themselves. They were telling me, 'We learned so much and we love hockey.' It was super cool to see the impact I made on these kids' lives. At the beginning, they didn't know how to skate, and now they know how to skate and love hockey.
###
