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BY THE TIME SHE WAS 4 YEARS OLD, Ali Beltz was on the ice with her skates laced, slowly fueling her passion for hockey. Now a senior at St. Mary's Catholic High School (and a forward on New Ulm's high school team), Beltz has never strayed far from the ice. The dynam- ic forward captured the regular season state scoring title with a stunning 62 goals and 93 points in just 25 games. She then tallied 6 goals and 12 points in three section games, including the game-winning goal send- ing New Ulm to the State Tournament. The Sleepy Eye native's dreams of playing college hockey will soon become reality. She suits up for the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, a perennial Division III powerhouse, next season. We caught up with Beltz to learn how her last year of high school is going, what it's like to balance multiple sports, and the best parts about the great state of Minnesota. MHJ // Scoring goals is second nature for you. What's been your secret to success? Ali Beltz // I think just having fun and confidence would be my two things this year. I felt super comfortable with my team and my role this year. I really just put it all on the ice and have fun, and I think that brings a lot of success to me. MHJ // Is it bittersweet to have such a successful senior season, but know your high school hockey career is over? Beltz // Definitely. High school is just so fun. I'm ready to move on to the next stage in my life, but it's also sad to see high school go because I've made so many memories. Meet Ali Beltz, the state's scoring champion from Sleepy Eye Don't Sleep on New Ulm F S H O O T S : L e f t POSITION: THE BELTZ FILE Sleepy Eye HEIGHT: 5' 7" COLLEGE: University of Wisconsin- River Falls Q&A by Elizabeth Boger 14 M H J O N L I N E . C O M | M A R C H 2 0 1 8 HOMETOWN: Photo / Linda Osborne Photography