Karmen Anderson '20 Recruiting Profile

Hockey has been a big part of my life and as a dual US/Canadian citizen you could say it is in my blood.  My dad started taking me public skating with my sister when I was 4 and I played on my first organized team in Indianapolis when I was 6.   From the first time I skated on the ice with a stick and a puck I was hooked and it has become my passion and a source of joy in my life.    When I was younger and watching Olympic women’s hockey, I started to dream about being like those women and I began to realize that with hard work and dedication my dream may come true.    My dream today is to play hockey at the highest level I can and to contribute to a team in whatever way that I can.  Starting with the Indianapolis Racers, through the Chicago Fury and now Culver Academy I have been fortunate to be surrounded by good coaches who believe as much in developing the players as they do in winning hockey games and those experiences have helped shape the person I am today.   Through hockey I have made lifelong friendships and have learned skills that will carry me through life; Perseverance, leadership, integrity, team work and how to deal with adversity. 

 As a player I work hard to be a force on the ice.  My coaches describe me as a power forward who plays big with the ability to rush the puck and either make a play or recognize when to keep the puck myself.    I pride myself on being coachable and unselfish, with respect for the game and other players.  I am not afraid of a battle or to back check and I enjoy making plays.  By the end of my freshman year I was the starting left winger for my 19U Prep team at Culver and my goal is to always make a contribution to the team when I am on the ice no matter what is asked of me.   

During the past 5 summers I have power skated to become faster and more agile, worked with former coaches on stick handling and shooting and a family friend personal trainer for off ice conditioning.    Being a dual citizen I have been able to participate in camps and tournaments on both sides of the border and have been exposed to a variety of different players and teams.   When I am not playing hockey I play lacrosse for the Culver JV and Varsity team,  am involved in community service activities such as Backpacks For Kids and the Culver Cobra’s learn to play hockey youth program.  I also maintain a summer job in the restaurant industry when I am home for the summer.   

While I may live to play hockey, I know that I cannot play hockey to live. School and my grades are more important than anything I do on the ice and I have worked hard to be the best student I can be at both my elementary school and Culver.   Hockey has taught me the importance of being coachable and this applies to school.  If I do not understand a concept I am not afraid to ask questions or for assistance outside of class.  With the strong work ethic hockey has instilled in me I continue to maintain a 3.5 GPA.   I hope to find a school in either the United States or Canada that will allow me to excel both on and off the ice.