The Michigan State University women’s hockey team introduces sophomore Natalie Masopust as the division two 2019-2020 captain. Masopust dressed in all 16 games of the season, earning 3 points, with 2 goals and 1 assist.
Serving as alternate captains are senior Alex Paquette and sophomore Cara Hodgins. Paquette shared that she is honored to be selected as the captain and that her teammates and captains recognize her leadership skills and dedication. Her personal leadership style is through her actions and words. She believes that it is important to get to know each individual player so that she can effectively lead and cater to the needs of the team effectively.
Hodgins is excited to share her leadership style and feels even more motivated to try and bring the team together so that they can constantly improve and grow in success. She loves to lead by example, “I make sure I’m ready on time and putting in as much effort as possible whether it is for practice or games.” She believes it is important to praise the good and provide constructive criticism to improve. Masopust agrees that it is important to lead by example on and off the ice, and showing dedication will lead to a productive season for the Spartans.
Both Paquette and Hodgins believe that there is a lot of talent on the team this year, and that they are at an advantage because there are so many girls returning this season. The captains see dedication and creativity that will lend itself well to playing better offensively and defensively. They see good communication potential and the skills that allow the ladies to adapt to new challenges presented on the ice. Masopust is excited to see that the new and returning players have meshed well and have good chemistry as a team, and believes that fostering relationships will be a key to the team’s success.
Hodgins realizes that the team is still green and has not had many chances to play together, and because of that, the communication and confidence to play cohesively and aggressively has not developed yet. Paquette agrees, stating, “Each practice we get better and better, and the results will show.” She also believes that communication and working effectively with the coaching staff will help develop her leadership skills, and that listening is a key to successful leadership.
There are many things that the ladies think will lead to a successful season, the top four being hard work, positive attitudes, mutual respect, and developing talents and skills. Equally important is creating a team environment that promotes bonding on and off the ice, and the ladies firmly believe this is a key to a team that is successful and inclusive.
The Spartans face Concordia University in a two game home-and-away series Friday, November 2 at 1:30pm in Chelsea and Sunday, November 3 at 11:45am at Munn Arena.
Author: Audrey Kahler, Communications Assistant
Photos: Mackenzie McMahon, Communications Manager