Andrew Nieusma '20 Recruiting Profile

In fifth grade we were asked to describe the difference between a dream and a goal.  A dream is at the top and the goals are the steps you take to get to the dream.  As long as I can remember, that dream has been to play hockey.  That includes Juniors, College, and Professional hockey.  I remember my dad picking me up from kindergarten and going to stick and pucks almost every day.  From then on school and hockey have always been intertwined.  As long as I continued to do well in school the opportunities in hockey kept appearing.  Because I stayed ahead and had very good grades my parents were okay with me going away to tournaments and missing a couple days of school.  I am still a 4.0 student and still stay ahead.  I plan to continue this all the way through college to get a degree so there will be more opportunities once hockey comes to an end.  I have played hockey for 13 years now and still love the competition and level of skill it takes to play such a beautiful game.  In those 13 years I rarely missed a shift and haven't in the last 3 years of AA and AAA hockey.  I have had a lot of wonderful experiences and successes.  There have been multiple Silver Sticks, tournament, and state title wins, as well as individual successes such as State and regional camps.  I have always tried to be a leader not only on the ice but off the ice as well with a strong work ethic and by leading by example.  My parents have always heard from other parents and coaches that I am a remarkable person and one of the most coachable players they have ever had.  Wherever I go I know I will be successful because of the character, grit, and determination I have to be the best hockey player, student, and person I can be.