Women’s hockey player shares love for the game

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Melissa Bromley

A member of the NCAA women’s Division III championship hockey team, Melissa Bromley has a strong family connection with her teammates and loves every moment she gets to spend with them, on and off the ice. Bromley says that it was the team’s motivation and connection to each other that helped them win the championship. Bromley is also highly active in other sports and career-related activities such as being on-air talent for RIT SportsZone, which she hopes will prepare her for a career in sports broadcasting.

Question: Where are you from?
Answer: I’m from Aurora, Ontario, Canada.

Q: What brought you to RIT?
A: I was really impressed by the overall hockey program and the success that they were having. I was also really interested in SportsZone because I would be able to get a job as on-air talent, which would help me for my future career plans—as a sports broadcaster. Also, I really liked the whole campus and the fact that I would be a part of a growing program in the communication department at a tech school.

Q: When and why did you begin playing hockey?
A: I think because I am Canadian I didn't really have a choice whether or not I would play hockey, but I'm pretty sure I had skates on since I was about 3 or 4. My brother actually started a year before me because I wasn’t overly interested, but once I saw him playing I started shortly thereafter. The first time playing, I was 5 and one of three girls on the team.

Q: What makes the RIT women’s hockey team unique?
A: From all my hockey experiences, RIT women’s hockey team is unique because we have such a strong bond. You always hear that sports teams are families; in our case it is extremely true. We always do everything together and we would not be so successful if it were not for the bonds that we have created on and off the ice that let us constantly trust each other in everything we do.

Q: How do you feel about all of the success surrounding the women’s hockey team?
A: I could not be happier with our success. Being in only my second year I can see all of the effort and hard work that past and current players, coaching staff and our many school supporters have put toward the program. As players we are always working hard, but it is so rewarding to see everyone’s dedication to the game finally showing through.

Q: What do you enjoy most about hockey?
A: Every day I get to see all my best friends and do something I love. The team is just one big extended family and every day I look forward to going to the rink, skating, working out and seeing everyone. Hockey is a break from everything stressful in our lives. We do not think about schoolwork or tests or anything else, we just get to play a game we love.

Q: What is one thing you want the RIT community to know about women’s hockey?
A: We are honestly so appreciative of the support that the RIT community has given us. We have the best crowd in Division III women’s hockey. Having Ritter filled for the NCAA tournament and throughout the season was one of the best feelings and definitely helped with our success. It’s so motivational to have your school showing their support.

Q: What is your job for RIT SportZone?
A: I work as on-air talent and have started to do SportsZone LIVE hockey broadcast, which I love. I want to be a sports broadcaster, so as a college student getting real experience is such a great bonus. I started working there as soon as I could in my first year and it has been amazing.

Q: Any advice you would give to other RIT students?
A: I think that RIT students should definitely get involved in something on campus. For me it is easy because hockey takes up a lot of my time and I instantly have 23 friends when I walk on campus. But I have been able to get involved with SportsZone and have met so many other great people. If every student can do that they will have an unforgettable college career.

Brittany Remington compiles “Student Spotlights” for University News. Contact her at bjr8272@rit.edu with suggestions.