It was only a matter of time before Kaylee Miller made her NCAA college commitment.

Recently, the Fort Collins native and Team Colorado 19U AAA standout decided on Arcadia University, a Division III school located in the Philadelphia area.

“They started scouting me after nationals of my second-year 16U season,” said Miller. “As I started to learn more about the school and coaches, it seemed like a perfect fit. Arcadia is a prestigious school for its academics and sports and that immediately drew me to it. The coaching is also excellent. and I am honored to be coached by people like them.

“I have always wanted to get good grades in school, so being able to go to a university like Arcadia is very exciting.”

Miller said she is currently planning on studying criminology in college.

Back home, Miller started skating at the age of four.

“I’ve always loved being on the ice, but I didn’t start playing hockey until I was 12,” Miller explained. “The hockey community has always been amazing, and I love being on a team with so many amazing girls. I love playing hockey and the adrenaline I get when playing.”

Miller’s first program was NCYH, and she played there for two years on a rec team and then an A-level team.

“After that, I was contacted by Team Colorado 14U AAA,” said Miller. “They needed a goalie to play for them and I accepted. The next year, I tried out for Team Colorado 16U AAA but didn’t make it, so I played on the Rocky Mountain Lady RoughRiders’ AA team. That was a great learning experience for me to not make a team, and I am grateful that it happened. I then tried out for Team Colorado again the next year and ended up making it. I am now currently playing on the Team Colorado 19U AAA team. For the past three seasons, I’ve worked with Mark Sample at In The Crease and he has been key in my development as a goalie. Also having Vanessa Taylor as one of my coaches last season was inspiring since she played AAA hockey herself.”

One goal down, Miller says there are more to come.

“I’ve reached one of my biggest goals in hockey by being accepted to play for Arcadia next season and I plan to play there all four years,” Miller said. “I’ve also thought about possibly coaching someday. After college, I would like to join the FBI.”

Photo/Be Feral Media

— Matt Mackinder

(February 8, 2024)