Sophia Kranias '23 Recruiting Profile

I am a Junior at the Academy of the Holy Cross, and I play as a goalie for both JV and Varsity ice hockey. I play for MYHA's AA girls 19U travel team as a backup. In the summer of 2020, my field hockey season was cancelled, so I decided to strap on a pair of goalie skates for the first time. I had grown up figure skating, so I knew my way around the rink. It took a couple of tries, but I was able to block shots at my first stick'n'puck. Instantly, I was hooked. I decided to play for MYHA's Girls Bronze developmental program, and spent my whole winter making amazing friends on the team and continuing to improve my skills. I worked with the goalie coaches at Wolfe Hockey, who helped me understand the position better and learn how to stop pretty much any shot.

 Come summer of '21, I decided to try out for the girls travel team at MYHA. Unfortunately, I got concussed during a spring league game and couldn't make it to the tryouts. Luck was on my side, however, as coach and director of the girls' program Mike Bazzone, saw that I could continue to develop my skills and be able to play at a higher level.  I made it on the team, alongside one of my good friends from high school, and began to practice with them. Immediately, I began to improve just from those practices. I was able to watch some of the more experienced goalies in action, and I learned quite a few tricks from them as well. As the season has gone on, I was able to play my first (non league) game with the team, and I was able to keep up with the other goalie save-wise. I hope to play in more games with them, but I still have so much to learn and to practice.  

What I think sets me apart from others is my ability to stay humble and grounded. I always make sure to encourage my team and cheer them on from the goal. I also never let goals scored on me get to my head. I brush myself off, and prepare for the next play with a clear head. I always think about how I can improve my game and my athleticism, and I put my all into everything I do. I tend to have a very commanding presence in goal, and have lost my voice more than once while instructing my defenders. I am not afraid to get into the thick of a scramble for the puck. Being a team player is incredibly important to me, because it helps everyone play better and have a positive mindset during a rough time. I always was to support my teammates in any way I can, both on and off the ice.