Braden Balgemann '24 Recruiting Profile

I always knew from the time I was basically born, that I wanted to be an athlete. For most of my life, I thought I’d be a football player. When I joined my first team, at age 4, I couldn’t understand why the other kids weren’t devoted to every aspect of being an athlete. I didn’t really understand the playing for fun part. I loved the discipline, the training, and endless reps. When I was 12, my parents made me choose a second sport so I asked about ice hockey. They thought I was joking because I had never been skating before, but after the first time on the ice, I knew this was the game for me.

Since I knew I was starting late, I had a lot of catching up to do. I started working on my skills every way I could. In the garage, at the skate park, even inside my own house. I have always dreamed of being a collegiate athlete and I know it takes someone who is willing to work for it. I have kept straight As throughout high school and stay disciplined in my training both on and off the ice. I am excited to keep learning this game and grow through each stage I get to. I have learned through adversity, that playing hockey at high levels is a privilege that I am excited to work for.