From the first time I laced up my skates, I dreamt of playing hockey at the highest level I could reach. Playing prep school hockey was where that dream began to take real shape. It taught me discipline, commitment, and the importance of being a great teammate. I grew not only as a player but also as a person – learning how to balance academics with athletics, push through practices, and support others through wins and losses.
But stepping into the world of collegiate hockey was a whole new game.
The pace was faster. The competition was fiercer. The expectations – both on and off the ice – were higher. My first practice was eye-opening. Everyone on the ice had been the best where they came from, and I quickly realized that talent alone wouldn’t be enough. I had to adapt, work harder, and find new ways to contribute. I leaned on the lessons prep school hockey gave me – grit, resilience, and a deep love for the game.
College hockey pushed me to grow in ways I didn’t expect. It challenged my confidence at times, but it also gave me the chance to rise, to find my voice in the locker room, and to develop as a leader. The bonds with my teammates became even stronger—more like family than just friends. Every game felt like a test of not just skill, but character.
The transition hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been worth every second. I’ve learned that hockey, like life, is about progress, not perfection. And through it all, I’ve kept skating with purpose – just like I did on that prep school rink years ago, only now with even more drive and direction.
By Lilly Corso
Lilly Corso is a junior business student at Endicott College, majoring in marketing. Beyond the classroom, Corso is a member of the Endicott’s NCAA D-III women’s ice hockey team, having developed teamwork, discipline, and leadership skills both on and off the ice.