Julia Zielińska will join the Bemidji State Beavers next year, where she'll become the first and only woman from Poland in the NCAA.
Julia Zielińska will join the Bemidji State Beavers next year, where she'll become the first and only woman from Poland in the NCAA.
Poland hasn't been a women's hockey hotbed, but there's hope for the nation in their next generation. One of those players, who has already represented Poland at two World Championships, and will make her way to the NCAA next season is defender Julia Zielińska.
Zielińska has spent the past five years playing in Finland with Kiekko-Espoo, moving to the country when she was only 13 to play hockey. She's now headed to play NCAA Division I hockey with Bemidji State next season.
"I decided to attend the NCAA because it will allow me to play ice hockey at the top level and earn a degree at the same time," said Zielińska. "Moreover, one of the highest levels of hockey available to women is NCAA Division I. That presents another opportunity for me to develop both personally and as a player. Ever since I began playing, I've dreamed of competing in the NCAA. My dreams can come true with determination and encouragement."
When Zielińska steps onto the NCAA ice next season, she'll be the only Polish player in NCAA Division I hockey. And the only member of Poland's national team to ever play at that level.
"Being the first Polish woman to compete in NCAA women's ice hockey will hopefully inspire more Polish girls to believe that anything is possible, and that all it takes is hard work to achieve success," said Zielińska. "I truly hope that my journey, which began in Poland and has since moved to Slovakia, Finland, and the USA, will open up new opportunities for young girls in the future. It is an honor for me to begin this incredible experience and perhaps pave the way for future Polish stars."
This season with Kiekko-Espoo, Zielińska scored 28 points in 29 games in Naisten Liiga. She added three points in five games at the World Championships. Unfortunately for Poland, the nation was relegated from the Division IB level. To win their way back up, Zielińska will be central to that task.
She's opening doors for other women from Poland as she blazes firsts for the nation. Wherever those firsts should lead, this is only the beginning for Zielińska.
"I have no idea what the future holds or how my career will develop after this much time," she said. "Of course, playing in the PWHL will remain a dream, but there is still a long way to go, so for now I will just prioritize on giving Beavers my all."