Ana Holzbach, 2018 Notre Dame graduate, now attends Stevenson University in Owings Mills, Maryland.

“The biggest adjustment going to college for me was dealing with being far from home,” said Holzbach.

From Stevenson University to Fond Du Lac (Ana’s home town) is a total of 855 miles, adding up to around 13 driving hours. Due to the long distance and many weekends filled with hockey, Holzbach has only been able to visit home twice in the past seven months.

“I chose Stevenson University because the academics and the ice hockey team were a perfect fit for my college career, and when I visited the University, I felt at home,” said Holzbach.

Holzbach’s love for hockey began when she was the age of three. She attended an event held by Fond Du Lac Youth Hockey where children could play hockey for free for the night.

“Ever since that first moment I stepped on the ice, I never regretted my decision to play ice hockey,” said Holzbach.

She plays for the Stevenson University Women’s Ice Hockey Division III team that plays at the Reisterstown Sportsplex in Reisterstown, MD. This season the team’s record was 9-14-2. With a tough schedule at the beginning of the season, the girls were able to keep their heads up and continue playing Mustang hockey.

The season has recently ended, but the team continues to work off the ice. They now go to off-ice lifting every Tuesday and Thursday to build muscle for the next season.

Although Holzbach has a busy schedule with hockey, she is still able to maintain good grades in the classroom. Reflecting back on the semester, Holzbach is happy to say she finished with all A’s and one B+ for a 3.8 GPA.

“NDA prepared me for what laid ahead,” said Holzbach.

Holzbach’s biggest success since moving off to college was maintaining good grades in the classroom and being able to play six games her freshman year.

She finished with a 1.55 GAA with a save percentage of .930 and a record of 3-2-1.

“I am happy with how I did my first year of hockey and can’t wait for the next three representing the green and white and wearing number 29. Now I have to get through 11 weeks of school and then I can relax my brain before I have to go back,” said Holzbach.