Madalana (Maddie) Donati '22 Recruiting Profile

I was born in Minnesota and moved to Wyoming at the age of 7. I lived there for 4 years then moved to Colorado with my family.  A goal of mine has always been to be one of the few girls that get to pursue what they love, and for me that's hockey. I have the drive to do everything better than I did it the first time. Something that had a huge impact on my life was when I was cut from the boy's peewee team at the age of 11. I had just moved from Wyoming, and I hadn't played hockey in 3 years. I tried out for a boy’s Peewee team and did not make it. That was the only team for my age that year. It was a defining moment for me. Not only was it painful to not be chosen, but I thought that I might never get to play the sport I loved.

I knew I had to improve.  I decided to give up soccer to concentrate on hockey.  Even though I knew I would not get to play a game that season, I went to every practice with the Peewee A team.  I attended edge classes on Saturdays. I set up drills in my basement. I attended private lessons with coaches to help me get better.  Through the summer I did multiple camps.  At the tryouts the next season, I made the boy's Peewee A team.

Grades and school always come before sports for me.  I love being around my friends and family, because of the fact they support me, encourage me, and push me to be better.  As a defenseman, I have a way of looking over the whole ice and knowing how the other teams move the puck. I never back down from a battle in a corner. I am strong, I never give up, and I am full of grit.  Even though it is difficult to hear sometimes, I have learned that taking criticism and applying it to a drill or a game, will make me better.

I was fortunate enough to be able to play AAA hockey for Team Colorado 14U and 16U for several years and loved being able to travel with my team all over the county.  In September of 2020, our family got the opportunity to move back to Minnesota .  Even though it was difficult moving in my Junior year, I knew going back to the state of hockey and where I first started playing  would be good for my development.  Last year, I played for Gentry Academy High School in Vadnais Heights, Minnesota and was fortunate enough to make it to the Minnesota High School State Championships.  Our family finally bought a house in Rosemount and I will get to play my senior year for Rosemount High School.

My goal is to play Hockey in college. I know that it will take a lot of hard work to achieve that goal, but I am prepared for that.  I’ve learned that hard work will pay off and I never back down from a challenge.