The Hockey Team That Changed My Life

Contributed by: Carly Bokina ’26, Sport Management

When I first started coaching with the Masuk co-op girls’ ice hockey program, I never expected the experience would shape me as much as it did. What began as an internship opportunity through the Sport Management program at Albertus Magnus College quickly turned into one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. Over time, I was given the opportunity to step into the role of Head Coach, and through that experience, I learned more about leadership, communication, and confidence than I ever could have imagined.

Growing up playing hockey, I always knew I wanted to stay involved in the sport. Hockey has always been a huge part of my life, and being able to give back to younger players through coaching has been incredibly rewarding. As a young woman coaching in a sport that is still heavily male-dominated, I also recognized the importance of being a role model for my players. I wanted to create an environment where they felt supported, confident, and motivated both on and off the ice.

My time at Albertus helped prepare me for this role in so many ways. Through the Sport Management program, I learned how leadership, communication, organization, and professionalism all play important roles in sports beyond just the game itself. Many of my classes challenged me to think critically about teamwork, ethics, leadership styles, and how to handle difficult situations—lessons that became extremely valuable while coaching high school athletes.

One of the biggest things I learned throughout this experience was how important confidence is as a leader. Early on, I struggled at times with finding my voice and trusting myself in a leadership position. However, coaching pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me grow into someone who is more confident in making decisions, leading a team, and advocating for others. Winning Coach of the Year was an incredible honor, but the most rewarding part of coaching has been watching the players grow throughout the season and knowing I was able to positively impact their experience.

My experience at Albertus has shown me that opportunities inside the classroom can truly translate into real-world experiences. I am extremely grateful for everything this internship and coaching position taught me, and I know it has prepared me for my future career in the sports industry.