Six girls’ hockey players are committed to colleges already. Photo of a recent lineup card by Mitchell Baker ’25.
As the 2023-24 school year has commenced, the hockey teams are off to a record-breaking start. Four girls have committed to top Division 1 and Division 3 programs that will put them on a positive trajectory in life. On the boys’ team, the first commit of the new year is Ritter Coombs ‘25. Ritter has committed to Providence University, a Division 1 hockey powerhouse.
“Committing” is a major goal for many athletes at Northwood. The most common answer to the question “Why did you come to Northwood?” is “to further my academic and athletic ability and one day attend a top university.” Coombs started his Northwood journey last year as a sophomore with the ambition to one day play Division 1 hockey.
“Committing to Providence and a Division 1 school is something I’ve been dreaming of my whole life. It means a lot to me and my family. All the money, time, and effort spent has paid off.” In men’s hockey, players commonly play a year or two of junior hockey before starting college. Committing as a junior in high school means Ritter could take his first step on campus any time in the next five years.
“I’m not exactly sure what’s next,” Coombs said. “I seem to have an opportunity to play in Dubuque next year for the Fighting Saints of the USHL. I could also come back to Northwood and play for Coach Mallaro. I am not sure when I will go to Providence. It depends on how I progress on the ice.”
Girls’ Hockey has four new commits, making a total of six committed players on its team. The two commits from the 2022-23 school year are Scout Oudemool ‘24 (Harvard University) and team captain Halle Mules ‘24 (Saint Lawerence University). The new commits are Katie Demers ‘24 (SUNY Oswego), Hilary Wilkin ‘25 (University of Vermont), Kristen Kiggen ‘24 (Long Island University), and Sofia DeAnzeris ‘25 (University of Vermont).
Demers is a 3-year senior who plays a crucial leadership role at the school on and off the ice. “The commits so far this year have been great for the program,” Demers said. “Sophia and Hilary are great pickups for UVM. I know they are looking forward to playing there. Kristen’s commitment to Long Island University is also a big deal. I don’t know much about LIU, but Kristen will do well anywhere. She plays an important role in our team culture, and I am sure she will thrive,” Demers added.
Demers was humble when she spoke about her own decision. “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to play at SUNY Oswego. I have dreamed of playing hockey in college and can’t wait. I am thankful for everyone at Northwood and am now focused on putting my jersey in a better place for those who will come in the future.”
These major commitments continue to grow the reputation of both Northwood School and its hockey program.
Despite the positive news, a commitment to a university does not guarantee that a student will attend that college. A commitment to a program is verbal and is not legally binding, which means that, technically, either party can de-commit. When athletes commit, they have committed to the sports team at the program, meaning they still must apply for the school like everyone else. Many athletes, particularly at Division 1 programs, get a recommendation from the athletic department, meaning their grades don’t have to be on par with the average admitted student at that college. It is rare for a college to de-commit a player based on poor athletic performance. Colleges avoid this because it develops a poor reputation that will heavily impact them in later recruiting classes. The most common reason for a college to de-commit an athlete is when they drop their grades or conduct themselves poorly online or away from athletics.
Another misconception about committing is that the student-athletes can relax until they start college. This is not the case. The five hockey stars will have to continue to work hard on and off the ice to solidify their spot at their chosen university.
Northwood is so proud to have helped these students achieve their dreams and are optimistic for their future.