Taylor Owrutsky '20 Recruiting Profile

My name is Taylor Owrutsky. I am 17 years old and live in Illinois. My life has been influenced by my family, hockey and soccer. Playing sports has helped me create a strong discipline towards focusing on my goals and working hard to reach them. I became interested in hockey as a young girl. I started playing hockey at 9 years old. I played for the Twins Rinks Sharks and Vernon Hills Ice Dogs. Currently, I play for the Warren Blue Devils and have been with this team for 3 years and I am the only senior on the squad. Hockey has taught me that I can persevere in tough times, step up as leader, and continue to push myself to get better. This has helped me increase my confidence in leading my team this season. In school, I was asked to become a big dawg mentor to the incoming freshman. I spend time with them every morning and they can use me as a resource if they have any questions. High school has taught me the importance of being a genuine person.

I am also interested in becoming an elementary education teacher for many reasons. First, I enjoy being around little kids. Their energy and willingness to learn makes them fun to be around. During my grade school years, I was on an IEP and had teachers who taught me what hard work was and how a positive attitude can make a difference. My confidence level grew and so did my accomplishments. In my sophomore year, my grades and overall performance were strong enough to leave the program. These lessons transferred over to my hockey experience. When I started skating for Warren, I was on the 3^rd line and now I am skating with the first line playing center or wing. I am often used as an example to my teammates. I do not fear obstacles and I know I can achieve any goal that I have set for myself.