Parker native, Castle View High standout Krikke commits to Grand Canyon for next stop in hockey, school
Kaleigh Krikke has improved each season of her career playing youth hockey in Colorado.
Next season, the Parker native will head to Arizona to start her college hockey career at Grand Canyon University.
“GCU was always one of my top choices because I loved the campus and atmosphere when I visited my junior year,” Krikke said. “I started talking to the coach this year and really liked his philosophy and how he was trying to rebuild the team. He coached the boys program there for a few years and took over the girls program this year.
“I really like the hockey program and the structure of practices and off-ice training. I was able to meet the girls on the team and they were so inviting and all seem so close and supportive. I also like the school’s academic programming and the Christian perspective of the university.”
Krikke added that choosing a school regardless of the hockey program has always been a priority.
“I wanted a strong school with a great atmosphere that fits my beliefs,” said Krikke. “The hockey program and opportunities they have for their athletes is just a huge bonus.”
In the classroom, Krikke is planning to major in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Mathematics.
Krikke remembered how she started playing hockey when she was seven years old.
“Both my brothers played and I decided to follow in their footsteps,” Krikke said. “I played boys hockey for the Arapahoe Youth Hockey League and learned to love the game. At 14s, I transferred to girls hockey and played for the Colorado 14ers. I was fortunate to play for the Team Colorado AA tournament team for two years during my 16s years and attended USA Hockey Nationals both years.
“I was also fortunate last year to play for the first-ever girls high school team for Castle View (also her current team). We won states last year and attended high school nationals. I was awarded MVP and was the points leader on that team.”
Looking back on her days in Colorado, Krikke noted that her favorite coach was Brett Clark.
“He taught me so many things in such a short time,” said Krikke. “He is also just such a positive influence and so knowledgeable in the game of hockey. My current coaches, Kyle Meehan and Olivia Gilida, are also my favorite. They have taught me so many things that I will need at the next level. They push me hard to be the best player I can be.”
Going forward, Krikke’s goals and reasonable and realistic.
“My short-term goal in hockey is to continue to improve and win states with Castle View so that our team can attend nationals in Anaheim,” Krikke said. “My long-term goals are to play college hockey for four years at GCU and become a middle school math teacher.
“Someday, I would also like to be able to coach youth hockey and make an impact on youth’s lives, just like my coaches have impacted me.”
Photo/@hockeyography
— Matt Mackinder
(January 27, 2025)