UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.- With the uncertainty lingering over the start of the 2020-21 women's hockey season this past fall, Carrie Byrnes was was unsure if she would even have a position on the Penn State women's hockey team.
For Byrnes, her journey to becoming a Division I athlete at Penn State University is a unique story filled with passion and perseverance that is unlike most.
"It has always been my dream to play Division I women's hockey," she said, "I was incredibly fortunate to be able to train in Minnesota where almost every girl plays for a Division I school."
Byrnes originally played for her hometown team in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. She was named the team captain and two-time all-conference performer for the Eagles, helping lead the team to two section championships in her four-year varsity career.
Despite the success, when choosing a university to attend she put her athletic dream aside to find a school community that felt like home, regardless of her eligibility to play hockey.
"I choose Penn state because it allowed me to academically challenge myself and provide me with exceptional opportunities for the future. I love the campus and the Penn State community," Byrnes said. "I originally was hoping for a walk-on spot on the women's hockey team as a first-year or second-year student. I was in constant contact with head coach Jeff Kampersal and trained throughout the summer."
At this time the numbers of a position on the team were not looking favorable for Byrnes. However, that all changed when Kampersal was acquiring practice bodies for the team and gave her a chance to try out. She went through the vigorous covid-19 testing protocols and was later offered the walk-on position she dreamed of.
"We didn't really know what to expect with Byrnes," Kampersal said, "I was greatly impressed with her skillset and speed. Her incredible productive plays in practice are what caught our immediate attention as a coaching staff."
Bryne's dedication and hardworking attitude has paid off. She is now becoming a vital asset to the team with her playing skills, and has seen time in 17 of the team's 18 games tallying two goals and three assists.
"I am super proud of myself I worked so hard to earn my spot on this team," stated Byrnes. "I feel that my stickhandling skills and speed on the ice really helps the team. My goal as a player is to continue to get stronger on and off the ice. I feel that everyone at Penn State is so supportive and wants to see me succeed."
"I have been working with Kristina Jefferies who is a performance enhancement coach. She is incredibly inspirational and motivates the whole team to strive and become better players."
Furthermore, Byrnes has fit into the team's culture already by forming close relations with her teammates.
"All the players have an extremely strong bond, and we all want the best for each other in accomplishing our goals," the freshman said. "I am also extremely grateful for the leadership of our team it has helped grown me personally and as a player."
This is only the beginning of Carrie Bryne's journey at Penn State University. Her passion and dedication for women's hockey has allowed her to fit right in with the Nittany Lion program.
"She is a good person, teammate, and coachable with an accelerated learning pace. Her willingness to learn makes me feel confident that she will fill any role necessary for our team to succeed," said Kampersal. "I am excited to see what she can accomplish moving forward."
