Oct. 16, 2015
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By Jack Milewski, GoPSUsports.com Student Staff Writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. ââ'¬" There are two types of leaders. There are those who lead with words. They will actively inspire their teams with speeches and use their fiery words to spark a response. Then there are those who lead by example. Though these players may tend to fly under the radar, because they are not the most outspoken individuals, they have an equally important impact as far as leaders on the team.
The Nittany Lions women's hockey team has plenty of leadership. The deep senior class has provided a solid base for all of the younger talent that the program continues to bring in. The team is full of vocal leaders, however; one of the less vocal members of the team, Laura Bowman, is still a vital part of Penn State's success and one of the team's key leaders.
Bowman has been on the Nittany Lions hockey team for three years now and really came into her own last year as a player. As a freshman, she was second on the team with 16 points. Last year she produced 30 points to lead the team in scoring. Not only has she been one of the best Nittany Lions on the ice, she is one of the most consistent as well.
"I'm not really a vocal leader, we have other vocal leaders on this team," said Bowman. "I try to show by example and work hard and do the best I can."
Bowman scored the Nittany Lion's first goal of the season against the Boston Terriers, en route to a 5-3 victory, also their first of the season. The next day in their 3-1 loss, Bowman also tallied the lone goal. However, for all she contributes to the team, Bowman will be the last person to give herself the credit first.
"I have amazing linemates and have for a while," said Bowman. "[This past weekend] was not individual at all, it was mainly team goals both times."
Bowman's teammates also recognize what she contributes to the team, both in terms of skill and leadership.
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