BY RANDY SCHULTZ –
Abby Miller, who plays defense for the Wilkes University Women’s hockey team, was no stranger to new Colonels head coach, Dave LaBaff, when he took over his new position.
“I had a chance to see her last year when I was coaching at (SUNY) Canton,” said LaBaff. “And I must say that she is really thriving this year, considering all the changes I’ve made in the team’s play.
“She’s really latched on to everything that the coaching staff has to say. It’s amazing what she can do out on the ice.
“And she does it all with poise, maintaining a good, steady type of play out there.”
Miller, a senior at Wilkes U, is in her fourth season of play for the Colonels. The Webster, NY native admits that in those four seasons of play she has really blossomed as a player.
“I’ve really grown as a person and player since coming here,” remarked Miller, who played for the Rochester Edge and Rochester Monarchs hockey teams before attending Wilkes U. “I really enjoy all my teammates on our team.
“This is an amazing team. All the players are supportive of each other. I couldn’t have asked for a better situation.”
Why Wilkes U, located in Wilkes-Barre, PA?
“I had originally been recruited by them,” recalled Miller. “Then I went down and visited the campus and immediately fell in love with the scenery down there.
“I liked everything that they had to offer. They had everything I was looking for in a college.”
Miller describes herself as a “stay at home” type of defenseman.
“But since Coach LaBaff has come in, he has been pushing me to play more offensively” commented Miller, who was named to the 2nd Team All-MAC team in her sophomore season. “So I’ve started to get more involved with the play, the way he wants me to.
“I’m pretty happy with it.”
Miller is a psychology major at Wilkes U. She is minoring in sociology.
“I’m looking at going more into Industrial Psychology in management,” said Miller. “I’m looking at getting into things like marketing tactics and things like that.”
Did Miller find a big difference going from the style of play that the Rochester Edge and Monarchs play to that of college hockey?
“I think it comes down to commitment,” responded Miller, the daughter of James and Shannon Miller. “When you play travel hockey you have more flexibility with what you can do with the off-ice time.
“When you play college hockey you are expected to put in all the extra work to make you better as a player. If you don’t, you’re probably not going to play.
“The bottom line is you have to learn how to manage your time better.”
What advice does Miller have for young girls going up the ladder playing hockey?
“Enjoy the time you have playing hockey,” concluded Miller. “The time goes by so fast.
“These years I’ve had playing hockey have been the best years of my life. I’ve enjoyed it.”
(Photos by Janet Schultz Photography/NY Hockey OnLine)
