I’ve always skated with a purpose.
From the moment my blades first touched the ice as a kid growing up in Massachusetts, I dreamed of playing collegiate hockey. That dream came true at Assumption University, where I proudly wore the Greyhound jersey during the program’s inaugural Division I season.
But deep down, something felt off—something was missing.
I loved my teammates and respected my coaches, but over time, I realized the program no longer aligned with my goals both on and off the ice. I couldn’t quite pinpoint one reason; it was a combination of things. I found myself lying awake at night, wondering what I needed to change to feel fulfilled again.
That’s when I made the decision to enter the transfer portal.
And that’s when I found Endicott College.
Located on the rocky shores of Beverly, Endicott wasn’t just another Division III program. The Gulls played fast, fierce, and with energy. Their team culture was intense, but grounded in support. The coaching staff had a reputation for developing not just strong players, but strong leaders. The beachside campus offered the creativity and academic resources I was looking for.
Transferring wasn’t easy. Leaving Assumption meant saying goodbye to teammates, routines, and a jersey that had meant a lot to me. But hockey has taught me resilience and how to keep moving forward and adapt to change. The day my transfer became official, I felt a wave of relief… and excitement. I knew a new chapter was beginning.
From my first day at Endicott, it felt like home. The locker room energy was contagious, welcoming, focused, and passionate. My new teammates embraced me like a missing puzzle piece. And the first time I stepped onto the ice at Raymond J. Bourque Arena wearing the white, navy, and green of the Gulls, I felt it:
This is exactly where I’m meant to be.
One lesson I learned from this entire experience was hockey, like life, doesn’t follow a straight path but when things get tough, you don’t give up. Transferring taught me that chasing what feels right is worth the risk. Now every shift I take in the Gulls jersey is a reminder that trusting yourself is the strongest move you can make.
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.