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10 MHJ // You've mentioned that one of your favorite memories is the 2010-11 Minnesota Hockey 12U State Tournament. Why is that? Zumwinkle // Well our team, back in that year, we were neck and neck with Edina the whole time because we were in the same district or region. We had played them like six times throughout the year and we had to beat them to go to state. We just hung out all the time as a team. We were super close and just loved being together. MHJ // You were invited to USA Hockey's Winter Training Camp. What does that experience mean to you? Zumwinkle // I think there's only one other high school player besides myself, but it's such a huge honor. It's been a dream of mine to skate with them. I know a few of them from Minnesota. I also met a few at a camp I went to in New York and they're all super welcoming and friendly. MHJ // How do you think the opportunities you have with USA Hockey helped to strengthen your overall game? Zumwinkle // They teach team first and all the priori- ties of being a good teammate and player. Those concepts have helped me to be a leader back at home, especially for younger girls. MHJ // Not only do you play hockey, but you're also a good tennis and golf player. How did you get into those sports? Zumwinkle // I don't know exactly what drew me to them. My mom played tennis, so we'd hit the tennis ball around when I was growing up as a family. And then golf—my dad is really into that and we do it as a hobby. I've always found it as a good leisure sport. It's not too competitive, but it's competitive enough. It motivates me to win, and obviously everyone likes to win. It's also kind of a good break from hockey. It helps my mental game especially because in golf if you have one bad shot, you can't dwell on it. In tennis it's the same thing. I think that mental component has really helped me in hockey. In tennis especially I like the agility component. MHJ // How do you think playing in multiple sports has helped your overall hockey development? Zumwinkle // I think playing multiple sports has obviously helped my game, especially hockey and my love for athletics. I think it's given me a good pathway for balance. It gives me breaks at times when anything is overwhelming. I just think it's important to get out and have fun. MHJ // Why did you choose to play collegiate hockey over golf or tennis or any other sport? Zumwinkle // I like the component of being on a team. Everyone has their own quirks and I think that's what makes a team so unique and close. Everyone is together in one unit, whereas tennis and golf are more individual. MHJ // What made you choose the University of Minnesota? Zumwinkle // I've always been a homebody and I love the thought of staying close to home. The minute I stepped on the U of M campus, I fell in love with the athletic and academic opportunities, along with the players and coaches that were there. MHJ // Have you decided what you'd like to focus on as far as academics? Zumwinkle // Something with business. I'm not sure which avenue I want to take yet, but I know I want to do something pertaining to business. MHJ // What's the best part about the hockey culture in Minnesota? Zumwinkle // Everyone is so tight-knit. It's a small world, even though the sport is growing. Everyone is connected. I think it's so fun that, especially in high school hockey, everywhere I go I know at least one per- son on the team. I think that's just awesome to see the sport continue to grow like that. MINNESOTAHOCKEYJOURNAL.COM // FEBRUARY.2017 Q&A PHOTOS: LAUREN KISEL, CLICK IT! PHOTOGRAPHY, GETTY IMAGES/VAUGHN RIDLEY GIVE AND GO IS THERE A SPECIFIC HOCKEY PLAYER YOU LOOK UP TO? I've looked up to Winny for the longest period of time. Winny Brodt—she's been a great mentor to me. ANY NICKNAMES? Zummy or Zum. WHAT'S ON YOUR PERFECT PIZZA? Just cheese. WHAT'S THE BEST ADVICE YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED? Work is what will help you down the road. Working hard is what separates the good from the great. IF YOU COULD TRADE PLACES WITH ANYONE FOR A DAY, WHO WOULD IT BE? Probably Jordan Spieth. DO YOU HAVE A GO-TO BREAKAWAY MOVE? I like to go to my backhand. But I know goalies are going to start picking up on that so I try to switch it up here and there (laughs). WorkinG hard is What separates the Good from the Great. INTERVIEW WITH GRACE ZUMWINKLE