Former Carlyle resident Daria O'Neill is stickhandling her way to success. The 17-year-old, who currently plays defence for her school's hockey team, the Edge Mountaineers, has been shortlisted for 2015's Team Alberta and has also earned a four-year scholarship to the University of Vermont, where she will begin classes this fall.
The Cochrane, Alberta resident is currently completing her high school studies at the Edge School for Athletes near Calgary, and says, “Now that I have that process of knowing where I will be going to school and playing hockey next year over with, I feel like I can actually take a deep breath.”
“My future has been decided, so now I can go out and enjoy playing with the Edge Mountaineers and my final year of studies here before I move down south,” she adds.
O'Neill signed her letter of intent with the University of Vermont's womens' hockey team, the Catamounts, on Nov. 17.
She had numerous offers from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) programs to play hockey in the United States. However, after visiting the University of Vermont campus, O'Neill's decision was made.
“[The Catamounts] have become a much stronger team over the last few seasons in their conference and I wanted to be part of that,” says O'Neill. “The campus is amazing as well and there is such an amazing atmosphere when you walk around the university.”
A student at the Edge since 2012, team captain O'Neill describes herself as a “stay-at-home defenceman.” Last season, she achieved a career high when she ended the season with a total of 33 points (13 goals and 20 assists).
“Daria's a solid hockey player who does the little things right,” says Carla MacLeod, head coach of the Mountaineers. “It's great to see her efforts rewarded and to have the chance to play for a school in the United States.”
“It's a long-term goal for our players to find a place to play hockey but also, to further their education. For Daria to know where she's going already is a testament to her hard work,” adds Macleod.
O'Neill-who plans on studying business- intends to work hard on both the athletic and academic fronts during her four years in Vermont.
“In the NCAA, you have to earn your ice time during every practice and every game,” she says. “My plan is to go in with a strong mindset and be ready to get to work as soon as I arrive on campus.”
