When looking at college hockey programs for next season, NCAA Division III Marian University had it all for Summer Mullin.

The Colorado Springs resident recently committed to the Fond du Lac, Wis., school for the 2024-25 season. She’ll join another Colorado native, Aurora’s Samantha Brennan, with the Sabres next season.

“In my recruitment process, Marian rose to the top of my list for both skill and academics,” said Mullin, originally from Canada. “One thing that truly stood out about Marian’s hockey was the fact that they sit in a good conference, and I felt like the coach and I shared the same view on how this next season will hopefully transpire. After having a visit in January, I was inspired by the way the professors know players as their names other than a student number. The small class sizes were really appealing for my academic learning atmosphere.

“Having a familiar face from Colorado will help having a home-away-from-home feeling.”

Mullin said hockey and school have always gone hand in hand.

“My academics in high school were very important to me with the balance of playing Tier I hockey,” Mullin said. “I’ll be majoring in radiology.”

Growing up, hockey was a part of Mullins’ life as long as she can remember.

“I guess you can say because I was born in Canada that I have hockey in my blood, but I actually didn’t start playing hockey until 2018,” Mullin said. ” I was always a rink rat due to my parents both playing and coaching. When we moved to Colorado, I had an opportunity to play hockey, so I jumped on it. In my younger years, I moved around a few times but call Colorado Springs my hometown now.”

Mullin started playing her Bantam year with the Woodland Park Hockey Association, then the Colorado Select, Colorado 14ers, and the last two years with Team Colorado AAA.

“By far the best coach I’ve had is my dad,” said Mullin. “We are always talking, watching, or on the ice practicing together.”

Moving ahead, Mullin is excited for what the future will bring.

“My short-term goal is to finish off the season ending on a good note with hopes to make it to nationals,” Mullin said. “Long-term goal I’m hoping for is to be a contributing factor on the ice with Marian. Education wise, Marian provides great job opportunities both on campus and in the town itself.”

Photo/Be Feral Media

— Matt Mackinder

(February 29, 2024)