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Alumni Spotlight: Kelli Blankenship
5/20/2020 11:15:00 AM | Women's Hockey
Gopher alumna Kelli Blankenship looks back on her time representing the Maroon & Gold.
MINNEAPOLIS -- The 2019-20 season marked the 23rd season of Gopher women's hockey. Twenty-two years of student-athletes set the foundation for where the program is today, and it's time to reconnect with them. Up next in our alumni spotlight is Kelli Blankenship.
Blankenship, a native of Miami, Fla., played for the Gophers from 2006-07 to 2009-10. She appeared in 148 career games for the Maroon & Gold, recorded 61 career points with 28 goals and 33 assists, and was a three-time WCHA All-Academic honoree. Find out where life has taken her since her days at Ridder Arena.
Gopher Sports: Where has life taken you since you graduated from the University of Minnesota?
Kelli Blankenship: I returned to the University of Minnesota to earn additional degrees for a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and a Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Education. After working in both the private and corporate sectors to provide dental hygiene care and education to clients and their families, the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry reached out to offer me a full-time faculty position in the Division of Dental Hygiene with Primary Dental Care. Currently, I'm privileged to provide educational instruction to our next generation of oral health care providers at the University of Minnesota.
GS: Where do you currently live and work?
KB: I currently live in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and I work at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in a full-time faculty position.
GS: What personal or professional accomplishment(s) are you most proud of since you graduated from the University of Minnesota?
KB: Continuing my education and training to earn an advanced degree where I learned new skills in public speaking, curriculum development, and the research process. This opportunity afforded me the chance to dedicate my time to conducting quality research that will contribute to the body of knowledge across teaching institutions and within the dental profession.
GS: What is your favorite memory about your time as a Gopher on the ice? Off the ice?
KB: On the ice, it was playing against Team USA and scoring a hat trick in that game to receive the game puck. My favorite memory off the ice was at our team's annual retreat where we played yard games, ate good food, and sat around the bonfire at night talking and bonding with each other.
GS: What are you most proud of from your time as a Gopher?
KB: All the relationships built and maintained in the GWH community and being invited back as an alum and always receiving a warm welcome from my Gopher Family.
GS: What advice would you give your college self or the current Gophers?
KB: Make sleep a priority and protect your sleep time and evening routine for preparing your mind and body for sleep.
GS: How did your college hockey career help prepare you for life after college?
KB: It has taught me how to accept and apply feedback well, which sets me apart in the workplace. I also learned the importance of focus and prioritization for getting things done that matter and lead to success.
GS: Are you still involved with hockey or sports?
KB: Not currently, but I would love to get back to coaching youth hockey once my schedule allows.
GS: Who is a Gopher Women's Hockey player you have enjoyed watching play after you graduated and why?
KB: HANDS DOWN, Emily Oden because she plays hard and is a force on the ice!
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Blankenship, a native of Miami, Fla., played for the Gophers from 2006-07 to 2009-10. She appeared in 148 career games for the Maroon & Gold, recorded 61 career points with 28 goals and 33 assists, and was a three-time WCHA All-Academic honoree. Find out where life has taken her since her days at Ridder Arena.
Gopher Sports: Where has life taken you since you graduated from the University of Minnesota?
Kelli Blankenship: I returned to the University of Minnesota to earn additional degrees for a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and a Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Education. After working in both the private and corporate sectors to provide dental hygiene care and education to clients and their families, the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry reached out to offer me a full-time faculty position in the Division of Dental Hygiene with Primary Dental Care. Currently, I'm privileged to provide educational instruction to our next generation of oral health care providers at the University of Minnesota.
GS: Where do you currently live and work?
KB: I currently live in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and I work at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in a full-time faculty position.
GS: What personal or professional accomplishment(s) are you most proud of since you graduated from the University of Minnesota?
KB: Continuing my education and training to earn an advanced degree where I learned new skills in public speaking, curriculum development, and the research process. This opportunity afforded me the chance to dedicate my time to conducting quality research that will contribute to the body of knowledge across teaching institutions and within the dental profession.
GS: What is your favorite memory about your time as a Gopher on the ice? Off the ice?
KB: On the ice, it was playing against Team USA and scoring a hat trick in that game to receive the game puck. My favorite memory off the ice was at our team's annual retreat where we played yard games, ate good food, and sat around the bonfire at night talking and bonding with each other.
GS: What are you most proud of from your time as a Gopher?
KB: All the relationships built and maintained in the GWH community and being invited back as an alum and always receiving a warm welcome from my Gopher Family.
GS: What advice would you give your college self or the current Gophers?
KB: Make sleep a priority and protect your sleep time and evening routine for preparing your mind and body for sleep.
GS: How did your college hockey career help prepare you for life after college?
KB: It has taught me how to accept and apply feedback well, which sets me apart in the workplace. I also learned the importance of focus and prioritization for getting things done that matter and lead to success.
GS: Are you still involved with hockey or sports?
KB: Not currently, but I would love to get back to coaching youth hockey once my schedule allows.
GS: Who is a Gopher Women's Hockey player you have enjoyed watching play after you graduated and why?
KB: HANDS DOWN, Emily Oden because she plays hard and is a force on the ice!
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