Luna Lu ’23 is a four-year Senior and captain of Girls Varsity Hockey from Ottawa, Canada. Co-captain Sofia Marcktell ’23 said, “More than her ability to push the pace at practice and inspire others on the team with her work ethic, Luna’s commitment to cultivating a strong team culture is what stands out to me.” Head Coach Kelsie Fralick ’11 said, “[Luna] expects a lot from herself, and she is willing to do what others may not be willing to do to get it.”
What do you love most about hockey?
I love the feeling of success with my teammates. Whether it be winning a game, or my line executing a zone entry that we worked on in practice, hockey never fails to give me a sense of pride and joy.
Do you plan to play hockey after Hotchkiss?
I will be playing hockey at Bowdoin. I didn’t consider playing college hockey until I came to Hotchkiss, but I’m definitely glad that I did. I love the sport and can not wait to play four more years of it.
What advice do you have for younger players on the team?
I would tell them to enjoy it while it lasts and to learn from those around them. I know everyone says it goes by quick, but I never truly realized how quick until I was doing my last first high-five with Caroline Bergin ’23 at the Berkshire Jamboree.
What are some of the highlights from your time playing at Hotchkiss?
My first Patsy K. Odden (PKO) tournament as a Prep and the quarter-final game of the Large School tournament last year. PKO was the first time I experienced a prep school hockey game. The pace was quicker, but it was also so much more fun to play against all these other schools with girls who were so much older than me. Last year in the Large School tournament, we played against Choate, who we had previously lost to twice — once at PKO and once at Hotchkiss. The feeling of finally beating them in their rink was unmatched.
What expectations do you have for the rest of this season?
I want everyone on the team to achieve their personal goals and grow collectively. I think we have a group of special people who want to make the most of the season ahead. We’ve played some tough games so far, but I think this team will rise to the occasion and make the most out of the rest of season.
How has playing on the Hotchkiss team improved your hockey skills?
Playing for the team has improved my skills through both practices and games. I learned from other players on the team who helped me greatly through their effort and enthusiasm. Playing against other schools was also a large contributor to my development. Especially against tougher teams, I had to push myself and grow my confidence.
What is your role as a captain?
A big part of being a captain is bridging the gap between the team and Coach Fralick. If the team feels they need to work on a specific part of the game or just need a rest, it’s our job as captains to communicate with the coach and make sure everyone’s voices are heard. Marcktell, Bergin, and I also feel that leading by example is an essential part of being a captain. We all do our best to push the pace in practice and encourage our teammates to become more confident.
When did you discover your passion for hockey?
I’ve been playing hockey since I was five years old, and it’s always been a big part of my life. Seeing my teammates after a long break and playing manhunt in the hallways of a hotel was always the highlight of my week. Going to hockey never failed to brighten my day. Hockey was always one of my favorite things, but I didn’t realize how much I enjoyed it until Covid hit. Not being able to see my teammates and play a game for that long made me love the sport that much more and made me truly appreciate the chances I get to play it.
