by Casey Moritz
Casey Moritz is from Texas and is the starting goalie at Endicott College. She is a rising senior studying psychology and criminal justice.
When people think of Texas, they picture “Friday Night Lights”, blistering summers and football stadiums that rival pro arenas. Rarely do they think of ice hockey. But for me, hockey was always home. Growing up in Texas meant chasing a dream that felt out of place in a region dominated by football, not ice hockey. So, when the opportunity came to move north for college and play goalie at a higher level, I knew it was a leap I had to take. One that would change my game, and my life, in ways I couldn’t imagine.
From the South to the Rink
As a goalie in Texas, ice time was scarce, competition was limited and hockey was more of a niche than a norm. Sure, I had great coaches and teammates who shared the same passion, but we were few and far between. I was on the first women’s team in Texas, and we played all men’s teams, having to travel almost every other weekend to play women’s teams. Now, there is a women’s team in every age division in Texas, and they’re spreading throughout the state. Because of the lack of collegiate women’s teams, I knew I had to leave Texas.
Adapting to the Northern Lifestyle
The transition wasn’t easy. I went from wearing shorts in December to learning how to shovel snow before class. The cold was a shock to the system and so was the pace of play. I was used to high school hockey, not the collegiate style of play. I left my family and friends behind, and I knew no one around me. But that’s the nice thing about northern hockey – you always know someone at a rival school.
The Mental Edge
Being a goalie is as much mental as it is physical. The move taught me more about discipline and focus than any save I ever made. I also learned how to deal with homesickness, the pressure of being away from everything familiar and the weight of expectations. I made many friends in the classroom and on the ice. You learn to deal with the uncomfortable feeling, which allows you to grow. All of that mental toughness translated directly into my performance on the ice. I wasn’t just playing to prove something to others anymore. I was playing to prove something to myself.
A Move That Made the Difference
Looking back, moving from Texas to play college hockey up north was the best decision I’ve ever made. It took me out of my comfort zone and into a space where I could truly grow and develop. The cold weather, the tough competition, the long bus rides and the early morning practices all shaped me into the goalie and person I am today. It also allowed me to start my own life and create a path for my future.
So, for anyone thinking about making a similar move, whether it’s for hockey or any other passion, I’ll say this: don’t be afraid of the cold. Sometimes, stepping into the unknown is exactly what it takes to discover your true potential.