Xavier College Prep senior Marissa White had been figure skating since she was seven years old, but during the last few years, while things slowed down, she yearned to do something different. That thing ended up being ice hockey.

Just one year ago she learned how to skate, handle a stick, and play the game of ice hockey. Marissa said, “I loved it the first time I was on the ice with a puck.” The skates took some getting used to — Marissa found herself face-first on the ice a few times. Shortly though, she joined the Kachinas, an all-girls club ice hockey team.

Sr. Lynn Winsor, BVM, CMAA, Xavier’s Vice Principal for Activities and Athletic Director, got Marissa in contact with Brophy College Preparatory since Xavier doesn’t have an ice hockey team. She went to Brophy’s practice, and they offered her a spot on their team right away. She plays forward, both left and right wing. As of this writing, their team is number one.

Sr. Lynn said, “Xavier is so very proud of Marissa making the Bronco Hockey Team. We all salute Marissa for her contributions on the Brophy team and congratulate her for her success.”

Asked if she felt different being the only girl on the team, Marissa said, “everyone has been great. There hasn’t been any pushback, and I’m having fun.” She’s been hit hard a few times, some games are more physical than others, but they all wear protective gear. Her only regret is not joining the team earlier — since she graduates this May, this will be her last year on the team.

Marissa’s advice for other girls: “Don’t be afraid to try new things. It’s better to take a risk and find something you love.”