Growing up, Ella Schum started playing hockey at the age of nine and quickly became enamored with the game almost immediately.

A Littleton native, Schum skated for the Colorado Select and Rocky Mountain Lady RoughRiders programs before finishing out her youth days this past season with the Colorado 14ers.

All the hard work paid off for Schum as she has earned an opportunity to play college hockey at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, starting with the 2022-23 season.

“Miami was always one of my top choices for college and after visiting the school, I fell in love with it,” Schum said. “It offered me everything I need education-wise and allowed me to play hockey, so honestly it was a pretty easy decision. On my visit, I toured the rink and spoke with the recruiter, and it seemed like a good fit.”

On the academic side, Schum will be attending the Farmer School of Business, a nationally-ranked school, as a Business Analytics major. She also plans on minoring in SLAM (Sports Leadership and Marketing).

“Hockey-wise, they have ACHA Division I and Division II teams which offers me a super competitive opportunity to play college hockey,” said Schum. “I couldn’t be more excited. To be the first senior class from the 14ers and committing as well is a super exciting accomplishment, and I can’t wait to see what else this program does for others.”

Playing the 2021-22 season for the 14ers’ 19U team was what Schum calls “a super successful season and an awesome way to finish my youth hockey career.”

“From a team standpoint, I think we can a long way from our first practice and winning states is something I honestly never thought would happen,” Schum said. “Overall, my experience with the 14ers was awesome, playing out of the Edge was super convenient for myself, and I loved all my coaches, trainers, and support staff. 

“I played for the 14ers this past season partially for convenience. I live super close to the Edge, and it was easy for me. I wanted to be close to home during my senior season. Additionally, I’ve had prior experience with (director of hockey operations) Hannah Westbrook and I’m a huge fan and I trusted her and the potential with the 14ers.”

Schum said when looking back on her time playing hockey, she always remembers how it all started and is elated with where it’s going.

“I started playing hockey with my sister because my neighbor’s son played and there was a try hockey for free program at the Edge and after my first skate, I fell in love with the sport,” said Schum. “In the short term, I want to find success playing hockey at Miami and I want to make their ACHA D-I team. Long term, I can’t say for sure what the future holds, but I hope hockey is always in my life whether it be playing or coaching. School-wise, short term, I want to graduate high school in the upcoming weeks and find success in my freshman year of college. Long term, my dream career is sports broadcasting so one can only dream.”

Photo/Joe Mahoney

— Matt Mackinder

(May 5, 2022)