University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Meet the Newcomers: Abigail Boreen
8/7/2018 10:55:00 AM | Women's Hockey
A native of Somerset, Wis., Abigail Boreen joins the Gophers as a forward from Hill-Murray School.
MINNEAPOLIS -- Freshman Abigail Boreen joins the Maroon & Gold from Somerset, Wis., and Hill-Murray School. A 2018 Minnesota Ms. Hockey semifinalist, Boreen made five-straight Minnesota State Class AA Tournament appearances with the Pioneers, including winning back-to-back state titles as an eighth grader and ninth grader. She recorded 66 points (27g-39a) in 30 games as a senior last season.
Gopher Sports: How did you first get into hockey?
Abigail Boreen: My dad was a big hockey guy. When I was about four years old, we had a lake and a little rink. I started skating. My mom was kind-of against it at first. I tried a Learn to Skate event, and I really liked it. I was in mites, U-10, all the way up.
GS: Did you play any other sports growing up?
AB: I played soccer and did t-ball and softball.
GS: What was it about hockey that made you like it more than other sports?
AB: That's a good question. I just fell in love with the overall game. It's different from everything else that I did. It pushed me. Skating is difficult. I had fun learning how to play. Hockey challenges you, you have to shoot a puck and stick handle. I think that just intrigued me more.
GS: What's your earliest hockey memory?
AB: It was probably the U-10 state tournament. That was our first time ever winning a state tournament. For me, it's really cool looking back on it now that I'm grown up and know what it feels like to win a high school state tournament. It's so much more at the high school level, but it is fun comparing the two experiences.
GS: What was your high school hockey experience like at Hill-Murray?
AB: It was great. I loved my coaches and teammates and the program. It got me to where I am today. I couldn't be more thankful.
GS: What was it like winning the state championship?
AB: I was so young. It was my eighth grade year, and that was our first championship ever. Everyone was so excited. I was at a loss for words. Getting the trophy and holding it up was a pretty great feeling.
GS: What are you most looking forward to about playing for the Gophers?
AB: I'm looking forward to pushing myself and being the best teammate I can be. I'm excited for the games, the energy in the rink, getting along with everyone, and having a fun experience.
GS: When did you realize that playing Division I hockey was an attainable goal for you?
AB: I would say my freshman year of high school was when I realized that I could potentially play hockey in college. I was playing hockey all year around, but I got into more high-level hockey, more ice time and more workouts, just pushing myself to get to where I am now.
GS: Who is your hockey role model?
AB: Natalie Darwitz. I was a big fan of hers when I was younger. I was a big Gopher fan when I was a kid.
GS: How would you spend a free day?
AB: Since we live on a lake, I would go on the water, go wakeboarding, and go paddle-boarding. Spend time with my friends and family, go tubing, and just have a lake day.
GS: Do you have any pre-game rituals?
AB: I don't really have any, which is probably good, because it would freak me out if I did!
GS: Do you know what you want to major in?
AB: I don't know, but I'm interested in going down the medical field track. I've always loved math and science. My aunt and cousins are in the pharmacy field. I job shadowed my friend's dad who is also a pharmacist, and I really liked it. I'm kind-of leaning toward that.
GS: What was your experience with USA Hockey like?
AB: It was really fun. I got to play with such elite players, and the feedback that they give you, the practices, the games, and the systems you learn really make you grow and develop as a player.
GS: What's one part of your game that you're confident in and then another area you want to work on?
AB: Something I'm good at is my vision on the ice, seeing when people are open and playing the puck when it needs to be passed. Something I need to work on would probably be not passing up opportunities to score. Take the chance when I have it.
GS: What do you like best about playing hockey?
AB: I think the friends that you meet along the way. I've grown up with these girls. It's cool that you play summer hockey together, then you play against each other in high school, and now you're at college together and rooming together. We talk about the memories we have of playing each other; overall the friendships you gain and the coaches you get to work with are really special.
Faceoff with Abigail Boreen
Hot coffee or iced coffee: Cappuccino. Iced coffee isn't bad if you add some flavor in there.
Favorite type of music: Pop music.
If you could play another sport in college, it would be: Soccer.
Favorite animal: Dog.
Who is the best hockey player you have ever played against? Cayla Barnes.
Favorite Netflix series: I really enjoyed Gossip Girl and 90210.
Name one word that describes you: Caring.
Name one thing on your bucket list: Go sky-diving.
Name one food you could never live without: Pizza.
Name one food you refuse to eat: Brussel sprouts.
Favorite holiday: Christmas.
What's something people would be surprised to learn about you? My sense of humor.
Advice for a young athlete: Keep pushing but go with the flow, and let it happen. Don't rush anything. When you know, you know. Never give up on what you want.