Four years ago, sophomore middle school education major Makenna Spearman picked up a hockey stick for the first time. Now she is the founder and president of Illinois State University’s new Women’s Ice Hockey Club.
Spearman grew up ice skating but didn’t try hockey until high school, which ignited a new passion she wanted to continue in college.
“Four years ago, I wasn’t even playing hockey,” said Spearman. “To be creating a team especially at a college is crazy to me. If you would have told that me that a couple years ago, I would have said, ‘What? You’re not being serious.’ But it’s definitely something I feel proud about it.”
The Illinois State Women’s Ice Hockey Club, a registered student organization (RSO), includes two goalies and nine skaters. In their inaugural season, the Redbirds earned a 3-2 record through five games, including three on home ice at the Bloomington Ice Center and two on the road. They faced teams from Decatur, Indiana University, and the University of Illinois. Because the Redbirds aren’t in a league yet, they were responsible for filling their entire schedule.
“Our biggest challenge was getting games,” said Spearman.
The Illinois State Women’s Ice Hockey Club began practicing in September 2022, ahead of their first game on October 1.
Spearman was pleasantly surprised by the crowd of supporters who cheered on the Redbirds for their first game, and although they lost, she said it was the best game of the season. Facing the Decatur Women’s Hockey Association’s Fury, the Redbirds battled through regulation and overtime before falling in a shootout. Spearman said both teams were exhausted by the end, and she was happy with how the Redbirds played.
The Illinois State Women’s Ice Hockey Club’s first win came a few weeks later, on October 23, at the Bloomington Ice Center.
“Getting that first win was so exciting and so was getting to post on our social media ‘Redbirds Win.’ You see those emails all the time, and it was exciting to be a part of that finally,” said Spearman.
The Redbirds wrapped up their inaugural season February 21, and Spearman said she was proud of how the team came together.
“At the beginning of the season, none of us knew anybody, and it was a mash of people together who have played at all different levels,” said Spearman. “It was nice to see everyone passing, making some good plays, and getting some good goals at our last game.”
Spearman said she wouldn’t have been able to coordinate the season by herself, and she is thankful for volunteers and supporters including advisor Dr. James Day, who is a professor of geology; coach Emelia Edmondson, who is pursuing a master’s in sport management; photographer Joey Nottoli; and scorekeeper Dan Glatt.
“There’s so many things I learned throughout the season like building up the team, trying to find players, and trying to find games,” said Spearman. “It gives you a whole new appreciation for the game because usually you just show up to the game and it’s ready to go. Now, I get to see all the stuff that goes into it before the game even happens.”
The Illinois State Women’s Ice Hockey Club hopes to join the Women’s Central Hockey League (WCHL) for the 2023-24 season. The WCHL consists of teams ranking from beginner hockey to Division 6 with a 16-game season beginning in the fall followed by playoffs in March.
“The biggest thing right now is getting into the league,” said Spearman. “It would be awesome to win those playoffs our first year, and I think if we bring in a lot of interested incoming freshmen, we have a really good shot at it.”
The Redbirds are currently recruiting for next season. They post updates on social media and provide forms for interested students to fill out. They also plan to play in a tournament this summer to gain experience and give interested players a chance to try it out before the team’s second season begins in the fall.
Additionally, the club attended March Revolution, a high school hockey tournament, and plans to attend one more this year to make their presence known to incoming college students. At March Revolution, Spearman was invited to speak on a women empowerment panel where she talked about her experience making history by starting the Illinois State Women’s Ice Hockey Club.
Spearman said, “If you want something to happen, you have to be the change you want to see.”
If you are interested in joining or supporting the Illinois State Women’s Ice Hockey Club, visit the organization’s website.
