UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.- Laura Bowman played a vital role in shaping the Penn State women's hockey program's history by being the first Nittany Lion to score 100 career points. Upon graduating from the university in 2017, Bowman went on to play professionally in Austria for a year.
Throughout her successful career as a student-athlete for the Penn State women's hockey team, Bowman served as a captain and was named a Big Ten distinguished scholar. As captain Bowman put the interests of her teammates first and worked to establish goals for future players to surpass. Penn State Athletics had the chance to catch up with Bowman and reflect on her experience as a professional player and her time at Penn State.
GoPSUsports.com: Why did you choose to continue your hockey career at Penn State University?
Laura Bowman: I was drawn to Penn State University due to its unique combination of elite athletics along with academics. The university also has a distinguished alumni community that provides opportunities and support for its students.
GoPSUsports.com: What is one of your most memorable moments from being on Penn State's women's hockey team?
LB: My most memorable moment has to do with the unique culture of inner sports support at Penn State. The football team was playing against Ohio State University while we were driving back to campus from a weekend tournament. We listened to the game the whole drive. By the time we got back to campus, there were only 15 minutes left. The team sprinted from the Pegula ice arena to Beaver stadium in all our hockey gear. We saw the Penn State football team block a field goal attempt and score a touchdown in the final moments. It was an incredible moment, and I will never forget the energy I felt in that stadium with my teammates.
GoPSUsports.com: Where has life taken you since you graduated from Penn State University?
LB: I played professional women's hockey in Vienna, Austria for a year before starting medical school at the University of Minnesota. I am currently in my third year of medical school!
GoPSUsports.com: Can you tell me about your experience playing as a professional?
LB: It was an amazing experience to be able to indulge in a different culture but also being able to play a sport I loved. I was able to learn a new playing style and teach what I have learned throughout the years. It also pushed me outside of my comfort zone because I moved to an entirely different country and I was not fluent in the language.
GoPSUsports.com: How was it transitioning into a different culture?
LB: I originally thought it would be a lot harder than it was, but everyone was so friendly and excited to have a player from America. They were as interested in my experiences as I was in theirs. It was the mutual interest in hockey that made my transition a lot smoother.
GoPSUsports.com: How did your college hockey career shape you into the person you are today?
LB: The biggest thing I learned was the importance of communication and being time efficient. Communication is essential in any team or company and is a great life skill to have. As a division one athlete, you're basically balancing a job with full course work. When I was a student I also worked in a lab, being able to use my time wisely and find time to relax was really important.
GoPSUsports.com: What was the experience like being the first player in the history of the team to score 100 career points?
LB: As a team, we wanted to set a good tone for the program's history and create goals for future players. It was always a team effort in every goal we scored. I personally had a very close relationship with Amy Peterson. We grew up playing on the same hockey teams together from our youth to college. We were always in it together and pushed each other to be the best versions of ourselves. Peterson and I both hit very big milestones on that same play (Petersen scored the goal to give Bowman her 100th career point with the assist). It was amazing to be able to share that experience with her and the rest of the team.
GoPSUsports.com: Can you tell me a little bit about your leadership experiences as a captain?
LB: Being a team captain is a lot of work and responsibility. I learned the importance of being selfless and putting the interests of my teammates first. It is also very important to have constant communication on your intentions as a player and goals you wish to accomplish. My experiences as captain gave me a better understanding of how to work and communicate with others.
GoPSUsports.com: What personal or professional accomplishment(s) are you most proud of since you graduated?
LB: Since graduating I have found a great passion for medicine and helping people. My greatest accomplishment is being accepted into medical school. I am excited about my future career and how I can help others.
GoPSUsports.com: Who at Penn State University made the greatest impact on you as a player and in your personal life?
LB: When I worked in the lab at Penn State, I was provided with constant support from my colleagues, Scott Lindner, and PhD student Kevin Hart. They both greatly impacted me as a student and taught me how to prioritize my time. At first, I was extremely nervous to start a position in a lab while playing hockey. They were so understanding and so willing to work with me. They encourage me to support others who are attentive to new experiences.
GoPSUsports.com: How have you stayed in contact with the program over the years?
LB: The current head coach Jeff Kampersal has done a great job of reaching out to the alumni community. I was involved in a Zoom call over the summer and it was cool to be able to connect with the team. Kampersal sends out monthly articles that give alumni updates on the program. I also stay in contact with a lot of my teammates. We all actually attended a wedding last year together. It was amazing to see them all again and still have that unbreakable bond.
GoPSUsports.com: How would you like to see the program continue to grow?
LB: I was involved in the program when it was in its building years. I am always looking for the program to continue to build and to get better. The day that the team wins a national championship, I am going to be watching and cheering them on. I am already so proud that I was able to help start that community and team culture. I hope that the program continues to be a space for women to continue playing ice hockey and strive to better themselves.
GoPSUsports.com: Do you have any advice for the current Penn State women's hockey players?
LB: This is going to be four of the best years of your life! Your teammates will be your lifelong friends and make sure to always support each other.
