Frequently Asked Questions: GWHA College Hockey Experience with Princeton Women's Hockey
- Chloe Glass
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
The Girls & Women's Hockey Academy is excited to offer athletes an exclusive opportunity to experience a day in the life of an NCAA Division I hockey player at Princeton University. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about this unique event.
What is the GWHA College Hockey Experience?
The GWHA College Hockey Experience is a one-day event designed to give female hockey players an inside look at what it takes to compete at the NCAA Division I level. Athletes will participate in educational workshops, connect with professionals in sports performance, and spend time with members of Princeton University's Women's Hockey Team. The event is designed to help players learn more about collegiate athletics, personal development, and the college hockey pathway.
Who should attend this event?
This event is ideal for girls hockey players who are interested in learning more about college hockey, improving their performance on and off the ice, and connecting with other motivated athletes. Whether you're just beginning to think about college hockey or already have aspirations of playing at the next level, you'll gain valuable insights from the experience.
Do athletes need to be interested in playing college hockey to attend?
Not at all. While many athletes attending may have college hockey goals, the educational workshops and mentorship opportunities are valuable for any player looking to improve their confidence, nutrition habits, mental performance, and overall approach to the game.
What workshops will be offered?
Athletes will participate in interactive presentations led by experienced professionals in sports nutrition, mental performance, and athletic training. Topics will include:
Fueling for performance and recovery
Building confidence and mental resilience
Menstrual cycles and recovery
Injury prevention and athlete wellness
Habits that help athletes succeed on and off the ice
What college coaches look for beyond hockey skills
And more!
Who are the presenters?
The event features a team of experienced professionals, including:
Danielle McDonough – Mental Performance Coach
Danielle specializes in helping athletes develop confidence, focus, resilience, and mental skills that translate both on and off the ice. Danielle played in the National Women’s Hockey League for 2 years and professionally in Lugano, Switzerland for 2 years. She played Division 1 for Providence College, where she helped lead the team to 4 consecutive league championships. She is now the CEO of Peak Performance Training.
Stefanie Rock – Sports Nutritionist
Stefanie works with athletes to optimize nutrition strategies that support performance, recovery, energy, and long-term health. Stefanie is a certified sports nutritionist specializing in the unique needs of youth and teen athletes- including fundamentals specific to female athletes- so they can confidently, and accurately, fuel their game & foundation to maximize performance and recovery, strengthen their developmental growth, and minimize their risk of non-contact injury. She is the CEO of Rock Performance.
Morgan Martin – Athletic Trainer
Morgan provides expertise on injury prevention, recovery, movement quality, and maintaining athlete wellness throughout a demanding season. Morgan earned her Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science and Master's degree in athletic training from Lebanon Valley College, where she played 4 years of NCAA DIII ice hockey. She then went on to serve 2 seasons as an athletic trainer for Salem State University, where she traveled with the university's women's ice hockey team. She currently works with the air crew at Seymour-Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina.
Will athletes interact with Princeton Women's Hockey players?
Yes. One of the highlights of the event is the opportunity to learn directly from current Princeton Women's Hockey student-athletes. Participants will have the chance to ask questions, hear about the college athlete experience, and gain valuable insights into balancing academics and athletics. Some of the coaching staff for Princeton Women's Hockey will be present as well.
What can athletes learn about the college hockey recruiting process?
Athletes will gain a better understanding of what college programs look for in recruits, how to prepare for the recruiting process, and what life is like as a student-athlete. The event focuses on helping players build habits and skills that will serve them well regardless of where they ultimately play.
Is this event only for elite players?
No. The event is designed to be educational and inspirational for players of varying skill levels. Athletes do not need to be committed to pursuing NCAA hockey to benefit from the workshops and experiences offered.
What age range is this open to?
Athletes of all ages and skill levels are welcome to this event. Players will be split up into 3 age groups for the workshops, so all information is relevant and understandable.
What should athletes bring?
Participants should bring:
Comfortable athletic clothing
Positive attitude and willingness to learn
That's it. Food and drinks will be provided, and we will even hand out swag bags that include a notebook and pen for notes!
Will parents be able to attend?
Parents are encouraged to support their athletes and may have opportunities to learn more about the college hockey pathway and athlete development throughout the day. Specific attendance details can be found on the event registration page.
Why was Princeton University chosen for this event?
Princeton University is home to one of the nation's premier NCAA Division I women's hockey programs and provides an outstanding environment for student-athletes to excel academically and athletically. Experiencing a college campus and hearing directly from student-athletes and college coaches help participants better understand what collegiate athletics can look like.
What makes this event different from a hockey camp?
Unlike traditional camps that focus primarily on on-ice skill development, this experience emphasizes the off-ice factors that contribute to long-term athletic success. Athletes will learn about nutrition, mental performance, recovery, leadership, and college preparation while also connecting with collegiate athletes and industry professionals.
How do I register?
Registration can be completed here. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged to secure a spot.
Why should athletes attend?
Success in hockey involves much more than what happens during games and practices. This event provides athletes with practical tools, expert guidance, and firsthand insights from collegiate athletes to help them become stronger, healthier, and more confident both on and off the ice.
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