UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.- Upon reflecting on her experience as a former Penn State women's hockey player, it was the lasting friendships that resided with Nicole Paniccia the most.
Paniccia, a goalie who transferred from the University of Connecticut in 2012, made her mark on the ice in Happy Valley, including ranking second in Division I with 1,028 saves in 2013, but her best memories are more about off the ice than on.
She wanted to play a role in the foundational building of the Penn State women's hockey team and incorporate her own leadership values. Something she feels she and her classmates were able to do together.
Penn State Athletics had the chance to catch up with Paniccia and reflect on creating strong team relationships that went further than the ice.
GoPSUsports.com: Why did you choose to continue your hockey career at Penn State University?
Nicole Paniccia: I originally played for the University of Connecticut but later I transferred to Penn State University. I ended up transferring with a few other girls from that women's hockey program, including Jenna Welch and Taylor Gross. We thought it would be a great opportunity for us to bring our leadership style and playing experience to the upcoming team. I feel that going through those experiences together made our team relationships even stronger
GoPSUsports.com: What was it like walking into the Pegula Ice Arena for the first time?
NP: The first time I stepped into the Pegula Ice Arena I was completely awestruck. There was a huge picture of the team and a life-sized photo of me on the wall. It was incredible to see all the passion for hockey and Penn State that was built into the rink. That is one of my favorite memories as a player!
GoPSUsports.com: Where has your life taken you since graduating from Penn State University?
NP: I currently live right outside Toronto and work in sales. I absolutely love my job. I am a manager for a cigar company in Canada.
GoPSUsports.com: How did your college hockey career shape you into the person you are today?
NP: My college hockey career played a major role in developing my character. Through my experience, I was able to learn organizational skills. I was also able to form lifelong friendships with my teammates. I wouldn't have the opportunities or as many amazing friends today without Penn State hockey.
GoPSUsports.com: Who at Penn State University made the greatest impact on you as a player and in your personal life?
NP: My former teammate Jenna Welch made the greatest impact on my life. We were roommates all four years of college and even transferred schools together. College, in particular, is a huge changing period in one's life and there are a lot of new things you encounter as you learn about yourself. She was there for me through everything both on and off the rink. I am still so thankful to have her support and friendship throughout all these years.
GoPSUsports.com: How have you stayed in contact with the program and your old teammates over the years?
NP: I participated in the zoom call over the summer with the current players and alumni. Over the years I have kept in close contact with alumnae Jenna Welch, Taylor Gross, and Lindsay Reihl. We all transferred from the University of Connecticut together and I were in the same graduating class. Those girls have always been a huge part of my life, and I wouldn't trade any of my experiences with them. Due to the current pandemic, I haven't been able to see any of them, but we were planning on playing together in an outdoor hockey tournament. I think it is amazing how I was able to form close friendships with others through my passion for hockey.
GoPSUsports.com: How have the traditions and culture you instilled in the program continued with its growth over the years?
NP: My younger sister played as a goalie for the team after I graduated. It was really cool watching her go through the experience. I noticed how the traditions and morals we instilled as a team continued after us. Penn State women's hockey is a tight-knit program where everyone is focused on hockey and being good people on and off the ice. I feel that these morals give the team that unique Penn State culture of passion. It is extremely rare to find a program this astounding.
GoPSUsports.com: What personal or professional accomplishment(s) are you most proud of since you graduated?
NP: Being a Penn State alumna will forever be one of the greatest accomplishments of my life. Being a part of the alumni community is such an incredible experience. No matter where you are in the world there are always people in Penn State attire. There is that automatic bond through the chant "We Are". Another achievement in my personal life that I am really proud of is getting married this past year. I am incredibly happy with my life right now and being able to share it with someone else.
GoPSUsports.com: Do you have any advice for the current Penn State women's hockey players?
NP: As a student-athlete, it is never easy balancing a social life, academic life, and athletic life. My advice to the current players is to do the best you can and give it your full effort. As long as you are working hard everything will work out in the end!
