UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.- When Bella Sutton was looking to continue her hockey career, she was originally drawn to Penn State University by the feelings of home the campus instilled. Upon graduating from the university in 2018, Sutton can attest that choosing Penn State was the best decision of her life.
Throughout her successful career as an athlete for the Penn State women's hockey team, Sutton served as a captain and was named an AHCA All-American Scholar. Along with obtaining distinguished awards, Sutton worked to make the most of all the opportunities presented to her. GoPSUsports.com recently had the chance to catch up with Sutton and reflect on her experience as a player and the valuable lessons she learned.
GoPSUsports.com: Why did you choose to continue your hockey career at Penn State University?
Bella Sutton: When I first visited Penn State University, the campus felt like home. I was looking to attend a school that had great academics as well as a growing hockey program. The university had the facilities and the strong team culture I was looking for!
GoPSUsports.com: What is one of your most memorable moments from being on Penn State's women's hockey team?
BS: My favorite memory as a player is from my freshman year when we defeated Mercyhurst University. It was a huge game for the team because it was the first one of the season. At the time the program was still growing, and we were not expected to win. I carried the motivation from that unexpected win throughout my journey as a player.
GoPSUsports.com: Where has your life taken you since graduating from Penn State University?
BS: Since graduating from Penn State University in 2018 I have moved back home to Minnesota. I am pursuing a master's in physician assistant studies at Bethel University. I am currently in my second year of clinical rotations. I am expected to graduate in August next year.
GoPSUsports.com: What did you learn from successfully transitioning as a student athlete into the Penn State women's hockey program?
BS: Transitioning into college sports for high school athletes can be a very difficult time. This is due to how an athlete's identity is solely placed in their sport. At Penn State, I was able to get involved in other programs including Penn State Christian Athletes, and ADLI. It was from those experiences that I was able to develop my character and find my true identity. From my time as a player, I learned the importance of communication and teamwork skills. I have applied all the lessons I learned from my time at Penn State to become the person I am today!
GoPSUsports.com: Can you tell me about your leadership experiences as a captain?
BS: Being a captain of the Penn State women's hockey team was an honor and a very humbling experience. The greatest thing I learned from my leadership position was the significance of letting your team know you truly care about them. By establishing that strong relationship with the players, I was able to get them to work towards our common team goals.
GoPSUsports.com: Who at Penn State University made the greatest impact on you as a player and in your personal life?
BS: Cheryl Gigante made the greatest impact on my life as a student. I would meet with her every Tuesday as my mentor. She inspired me to work hard and to become the person I am today. Gigante and her husband were the leaders of Penn State Christian Athletes. Every Sunday they would host a dinner at their home for anyone who showed up. Over the years their family has been tremendously supportive and have helped numerous students find their new home at Penn State University.
GoPSUsports.com: How have you stayed in contact with the program over the years?
BS: I love watching the team play and seeing how much they have improved since I was a captain. I am still very close to some of the current players on the team. I was really looking forward to visiting last spring for the Blue-White spring football game, but it was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
GoPSUsports.com: Do you have any advice for the current Penn State women's hockey players?
BS: My advice is to truly make the most of your experience at Penn State. It is so important to live in the moment because the time passes by exceedingly fast. Some of my favorite memories are from going to the Waffle Shop and the football games with my friends. Your experience is what you make of it!
GoPSUsports.com: What do you enjoy most about watching the Penn State women's hockey team play today?
BS: I love watching the team play together as a whole! It has been extra special for me to watch the girls that were freshmen and sophomores when I was a senior in 2018. They have all grown as players and improved profoundly over the years!
