Angelina Joyce '18

Groton prepared me to play in college by teaching me how to deal with adversity. The ISL is a very strong athletic league, and at times a very frustrating league to play in when your team is struggling. Because of this, I learned to continue to love the game despite the outcome. Groton taught me team above self; how to be a role model, leader, and friend to my teammates; and most importantly to just play. These ideals helped me a lot through my first college hockey season, and I will continue to remind myself to live in the moment of the game as I look ahead to my last few years of competitive sports.

Beating St. Mark’s in my final hockey game of senior year. We hadn’t beat them in field hockey or lacrosse during the time I was there, but for hockey we always got really close. My junior year, I scored to tie the game and the entire O’Brien Rink was packed to the brim with fans cheering. I thought it couldn’t get any better than that, despite the fact that we ended up losing. However, my senior year, we finally won. It was a tough-fought game, and with seconds draining on the clock, I was behind the play in our defensive zone. As soon as the time ran out, I turned and skated and tackled our goalie Min Shin, and the entire thing was caught on camera. I still have the pictures; they are some of my favorite pictures to look back on and remember how overjoyed I was in that moment. I even have a video of us all screaming in the locker room afterwards! The whole team had worked so hard and wanted to win so badly, and we finally achieved our goal. No feeling compares to a St. Mark’s game.

A highlight would probably be my first collegiate goal. It was a home game, and my entire family, including my grandparents, had come to watch, as well as my roommates and school friends. I received a pass from my teammate on the powerplay and shot it right over the goalie's shoulder, one of the nicest shots I have ever taken. Our team photographer managed to capture my expression and celebration, and it is priceless! My coach ended up saving the puck and giving it to me, something I will keep forever.

Keep your options open. For the longest time, I had my dream schools that I thought I would end up going to, but circumstances and coaches do not always agree with your goals. However, it will work as long as you give things a chance. I gave Bowdoin a chance, despite initially thinking it wasn’t what I wanted, and it is one of the best opportunities I have ever gotten in my life. Listen to your parents, college counselors, and coaches, but ultimately it is your life and you have to decide what your priorities are. Finally, never forget your love of the game. The process can be daunting and stressful at times, but do not forget the reason you are doing it—for the love of the sport and the feeling it gives you to just play.

Hockey: ISL honorable mention 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18; cCaptain 2017–18

Lacrosse: All-ISL 2017–18

Tri-Varsity Athlete: 9 Varsity letters

Angelina's Bowdoin athletic profile.