Oct. 3, 2012
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State head coach Josh Brandwene and selected student-athletes answered questions from the attending media on Wednesday afternoon at Greenberg Ice Pavilion. The Nittany Lions will play a two-game set at Vermont starting Saturday at 2 p.m. with the second game on Sunday at 2 p.m. Both games will have live streaming video on UVMsports.com with live stats.
Josh Brandwene
Women's Hockey Head Coach
Q: Overall, What do you see as an opportunity with Penn State and beginning the Division 1 program?
A: It's going to be the whole package. Within the community, Kim and Terry Pegula were very committed in their process with this. First and foremost, they wanted a state of the art home for the men's and women's varsity programs but also, it will be a great resource for the community as well. This is going to do wonders for taking an already good program and growing it and making it better on a community and youth level. It will be great for the whole county.
Q: As a former player, there have been a lot of times when Penn State almost came close to starting a D-1 program. Did you ever think it would happen?
A: I think it has been a dream and a vision for a lot of people for a long time. Certainly when you reference that, you have to mention Joe Battista and the torch he has carried with this project for so many years. With the generosity of the Pegulas and the construction being right up the hill, it has been an incredibly exciting time.
Q: You have a reputation of being a builder (going back to West Virginia, Delaware and things like that). What lessons from previous jobs can you apply with this new team?
A: There are a lot of similarities but there are definitely differences in terms of building a program from scratch. I think the things you learn along the way are how much culture matters and it matters from day one. The real gift and opportunity here is we are starting a culture from scratch.
Q: You took this job (in June 2011) and you have a season starting in two days. How does that feel?
A: It does. Even going back to the kids arriving for fall semester arrival, it was really going from being a concept to reality. When you grind away at it and work so hard for so long, to see everyone arrive and start and countdown to the start of the season, it makes it real.
Q: Talk a little bit about the importance of having three players who have not only played against Vermont but have never lost to them. How important will their influence be in the first game?
A: Their influence all season is tremendous. They have been a great influence in the preseason because they have been there and done that. They've gone through the rhythms of preseason. They've gone through the rigors of being a Division I student-athlete. They understand what it takes to be successful on a day to day basis. They understand the hard work, discipline, making sure you get rest, all the things that are necessary in order to peak and be playing your best hockey
Lindsay Reihl
Senior - D
Q: When you came here as a freshman, did you ever expect this to be a Division I team?
A: To me it was a surprise that Penn State didn't have a Division I hockey team, but I had decided I was going to Penn State and would play four years of club hockey.
Q: This is Penn State's first NCAA game but also yours. Are you nervous? How will Taylor and Jenna play a role in helping out?
A: I am very nervous but also very excited. I feel like we are ready and prepared. Not only for this game, but having them on our roster, I think it's great. They have been able to help us out because they are experienced and they've try to help us to know what to expect.
Taylor Gross
Junior - F
Q: What has the transition to Penn State been like for you?
A: It has been a fairly easy transition. Everyone has been very supportive. Especially coming in halfway through last year, they did a good job of making me feel welcome and now I feel like I am doing the same for the freshman coming in.
Q: What are your expectations/goals for the season?
A: One of the main things is to always keep improving as a team. Even if we have a good game, we need to keep making strides to get better. Always work hard to get to the top.
Jenna Welch
Junior - F
Q: Why do you think it's important to go out to Vermont and have a good start to the season?
A: The first game is a new experience for everyone. I think it will show where we are as a team and it will be a good stepping stone for us with our CHA games.
Q: How do you think you will be feeling as you take the ice with Penn State for the first time?
A: Definitely nervous, excited and just ready to start something new. It will be a different experience being with a new group of girls and in a new environment.
Jill Holdcroft
Freshman - F
Q: How have the upperclassmen helped you all get ready for the season?
A: They have been super helpful. It has been nice having these upperclassmen as leaders, not just on the ice but also academically. Some of them have been around for a while and know what it is like to play division one hockey. They have given us a lot of insight to help us prepare for our games.
Q: It will be your first college hockey game. That has got to be kind of cool right?
A: I'm very excited to see what it's like and to see how I perform on a Division I level.
--NITTANY LIONS--