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By Erin Malcom
Ella Boerger’s hockey journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Named 2023 Ms. Hockey, the Andover, Minnesota native is also a dedicated student, now a sophomore at the University of St. Thomas. While her major is still undecided, she’s eager to explore a path in math or science. In this interview, we’ll take a closer look at Ella’s passions beyond hockey and discover the person behind the stats.
You’ve obviously been crushing it on the ice as of late, being named Ms. Hockey for 2023. What has been your biggest accomplishment in your hockey career so far? What are you most proud of?
My biggest accomplishment was winning the state tournament in high school. It overall was an awesome experience and will be something that I will remember for the rest of my life. I am most proud of winning state in high school, and more recently beating the 8th ranked team in the country in a shootout.
You mentioned that you and your mom love rom-coms and, as a fellow rom-com lover, I would love to know, what’s your favorite?
My favorite romcom is definitely How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. I love the plotline of the story, and I love the actors in it.
Can you speak a little more about tennis and pickleball? How did you get into those? Do you feel like any skills or attributes of those can be transferred to the ice?
I started playing tennis when I was about 10 and continued through junior high and high school. After high school I started to get into pickleball because my friends also really enjoy it. I think some hand-eye and footwork skills can also be transferred to the ice.
Behind every great player is a support squad. Who’s been your rock off the ice, helping you through the highs and lows?
My rock has definitely been my parents. They are my number #1 fans through it all and have been able to make it to almost every game. They also are always there for me at my worst and my best, and I truly cannot thank them enough.
You’re already a role model for younger girls looking up to you. What’s one thing you’d tell a girl who’s just getting started in hockey and maybe feeling a bit intimidated?
I would tell her to try your hardest and to enjoy hockey. Trying something new can be really hard, but also can be rewarding. So, if you try your hardest and have fun, you will be able to find success and make friends.
Cara Sajevic and Ella Boerger hand out their autographed Pliable athlete player cards to two young girls in Minnesota.
Like anything else in life, sports can throw all kinds of challenges our way. How have you learned to tackle and overcome those challenges?
I have learned to overcome challenges and adversity through resilience. I have learned this through having a good support system of coaches and teammates, controlling the controllables, and showing up every day the best I can.
Obviously being a college student is a lot but being an athlete on top of that adds more stress sometimes. How do you typically spend your free time? What activities do you and your friends enjoy when you get together?
Usually, I spend my free time hanging out with my friends. We enjoy watching other sports at St. Thomas, playing pickleball, getting ice cream, or watching new documentaries on Netflix.
Pictured left to right Ella Boerger with her friends Maddie Brown, JuliAnna Gazdik, Jenessa Gazdik and Cara Sajevic volunteering at the National Hockey Festival for the Hendrickson Foundation in Minnesota.
I would love to hear more about your involvement with the Sophie’s Squad and your views on the mental health awareness of athletes. What are some obstacles you think athletes face when referring to this topic?
In high school, I was fortunate enough to have volunteered with Sophie’s Squad. Our team was part of a fundraiser and had helped out with some of the prep work. It was a great way to honor the memory of Sophie and raise awareness for mental health. As student-athletes, there is pressure to maintain a balance between studying and participating in your sport. It's great to see many mental health groups creating awareness and showing that it's okay not to feel okay and how to get help.
Isa Goettl, Ella Boerger, and Maddie Brown take a photo together at an event to support Sophie’s Squad.
What do you love about Kirkland bagels? Do you have a favorite flavor? Are they in the mix of potential sponsorships?
I love Kirkland bagels because they are versatile. I love the plain flavor because I can add toppings to make it sweet or savory. If I want something sweet, I can add strawberry cream cheese with strawberries. If I want something savory, I can make a breakfast bagel out of it and add an egg, turkey bacon, and cheese. As far as a NIL deal, they definitely would be in the mix of potential sponsorships.
Lastly, let’s talk NIL deals! If you could pick any brand to partner with, who would be your dream sponsor?
If I could pick any brand to partner with, it would be Lululemon. I love all of their clothes and the values they promote. They have comfy and athletic clothes, which is what I am always wearing. They also promote a holistic approach to positivity.
A huge thank you to Pliable for making this happen and a special thank you to Ella for sharing a little more about herself with us today. Catch her on the ice at the University of St. Thomas!
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