Ella Bynan is a Utah native that has ventured to Colorado to round out her game on the ice.

Earlier this week, the Team Colorado AAA standout announced her commitment to Hood College, a new NCAA Division III program in Frederick, Md., set to start play in 2024-25

“After joining NCSA, I started researching and reaching out to schools, Hood being one of them,” said Bynan, originally from Park City, Utah. “Coach (Josh) Funk set up a time to talk and then from there, he came to see me play in California at nationals. I was very interested in playing NCAA hockey as I moved my entire life to Colorado to improve. I thought being on a new inaugural team would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and Hood also has a great nursing program.”

Bynan said she has always prioritized school and dedicated her high school career to taking classes to prepare her for majoring in nursing. She currently has her CNA (certified nursing assistant), EMR (emergency medical responder), and CPR and BLS certifications.

On the ice, Bynan’s passion began next door in Utah.

“My father encouraged me and my brother to play hockey, so we grew up on frozen ponds skating around with our neighbors,” explained Bynan. “From there, I started playing on my local coed teams and then eventually, all-female teams. Hockey in Utah has caused many issues for lots of girls because there are simply no teams. So starting my first year of 14U, I would travel to Colorado every weekend to play for the Colorado Select. I did this for three years until I decided to give the Utah Lady Grizzlies one more chance. This ended up being one of my best seasons of hockey I have ever played. Not only were we winning games, but I made best friends and improved tremendously.”

The 2023-24 season is Bynan’s first with Team Colorado AAA.

“My short-term goal is to graduate with good grades and improve as much as possible before going to Hood College,” Bynan said. “My long-term goal is to extend my hockey career after college and possibly go back to school to further my education.”

Photo provided by Ella Bynan

— Matt Mackinder

(October 11, 2023)