University of Minnesota Athletics
Alumni Spotlight: Ronda Curtin
10/5/2017 12:00:00 AM | Women's Hockey
MINNEAPOLIS -- The 2017-18 season marks the 21st season of Gopher women's hockey. Twenty years of student-athletes set the foundation for where the program is today, and it's time to reconnect with them. Up first in our alumni spotlight is Ronda Curtin (now Engelhardt).
Curtin was a two-time JOFA/AHCA First Team All-American during her four years playing for the Maroon & Gold from 1999-00 to 2002-03. After helping the Gophers to the program's first national title at the AWCHA national championship as a freshman, the Roseville, Minn., native went on to lead Minnesota to two WCHA regular-season titles and one WCHA postseason crown during her remaining three years.
Curtin earned back-to-back WCHA Defensive Player of the Year accolades in 2002 and 2003 and collected WCHA Player of the Year honors in 2002 as well. The 2002 WCHA Tournament MVP, Curtin led the Gophers to the 2002 WCHA Final Faceoff league championship after Minnesota won the regular season crown with a conference record of 19-2-3. Curtin was a top-three Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award finalist during the 2001-02 season as well. A psychology major at the University of Minnesota, Curtin was a three-time WCHA All-Academic Team member.
GopherSports.com caught up with Curtin to find out where life has taken her most recently.
Gopher Sports: Where has life taken you since you graduated from the University of Minnesota?
Ronda Curtin: Life has taken me all over the world. I spent seven years living in different cities and countries, including Canada, Germany, and Austria, all for my husband's career. During this time, my husband and I welcomed three kids into our world.
GS: Where do you currently live and work?
RS: I am back in Minnesota working as a school counselor at Hopkins High School and coaching hockey at Breck School.
GS: You mentioned coaching hockey. How else are you still involved with the sport?
RC: Hockey is still very much a part of my world. I am the head coach for girls hockey at Breck School. Also, my three kids play hockey and love it, so I guess we are in it for the long haul. In addition, I, along with two former Gophers (Bethany Brausen and Winny Brodt) started the Girls Hockey Outdoor Classic that takes place in December. The goal of the Outdoor Classic is to continue to grow the sport of hockey that gave us so much in life and empower young females.
GS: What personal or professional accomplishment(s) are you most proud of since you graduated from the University of Minnesota?
RC: Earning my Masters was definitely an accomplishment as it wasn't something I thought I would do back when I was in college.
GS: What is your favorite memory about your time as a Gopher on the ice? Off the ice?
RC: There are so many memories, it is hard to pick one. I will say, my junior year was by far my favorite year. Our team was very united and accomplished more than anyone expected. It was amazing to see what a team could do if they all worked hard together and believed in each other.
GS: What are you post proud of from your time as a Gopher?
RC: One time after a game my senior year, an adult pulled me aside and thanked me for being a good role model the last four years. Awards and honors are always special, but having someone commend you on your character meant a lot.
GS: What advice would you give your college self or current Gophers?
RC: Enjoy every moment of being a Gopher athlete, and don't take it for granted. The four years go by quickly, and I can definitely say I was lucky to have been a Gopher.
GS: How did your college hockey career help prepare you for life after college?
RC: I learned a lot about teamwork and was able to grow my leadership skills. Being a collegiate athlete also taught me how to time manage, and it instilled a strong work ethic. I also love how sports teach you about resilience and overcoming barriers. These skills are necessary as you navigate life!
GS: Who is a Gopher women's hockey player you have enjoyed watching play after you graduated and why?
RC: I would have to say all my former Roseville Raiders like Bethany Brausen and Lee Stecklein as I was able to coach them when they were young. I also enjoyed watching Milica McMillan since I knew her back when she was just starting off in hockey. This year, I look forward to watching my former player Grace Zumwinkle play.
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