UNDsports.com catches up with Abbey Strong, who was a member of the inaugural team at UND.
Name: Abbey Strong
Years played/position: 2002-04, Defense
Year graduated/degree major: Bachelor of Business Administration from Michigan Tech University in 2005
Any postgraduate degrees/college/year graduated: Master's in Sports Administration from Wayne State University in 2007
What city do you currently reside in: Duluth, MN
What is your current occupation: Assistant Athletic Director – Compliance and Camps
How did you get started in your current job: After finishing playing at UND I started coaching at Finlandia and working in the sports information office at Michigan Tech. When I went to grad school I did an internship in compliance and decided I liked the administrative side of college sports.
How would you say your time playing hockey at UND has impacted your current life, whether it be your personal or professional life: Having the experience of being a Division I athlete has allowed me to understand the demands of being a student-athlete. I know what they go through on a daily basis and can relate to the time demands that are placed on them. I can honestly say I've been in their shoes. Learning time management skills and how to work as a team has helped get me to where I am today.
Favorite game moment from UND: Scoring two goals in 35 seconds against Wayne State
Favorite non-game hockey moment (i.e. practice, off-ice): Visiting local elementary and middle schools and hearing them scream when we would walk in with our jerseys on.
Favorite opponent: Wayne State
Favorite player to play against: Spaulding from Wayne State, she would always skate with her head down and I would get a penalty every game for hitting her. She never saw it coming. I would laugh on the way to the penalty box every time.
What do you miss most from UND: I miss the whole experience of being a student-athlete at UND. The community and fans are amazing, you won't find a more passionate fan base anywhere and playing for them was an awesome experience. Knowing so many people are behind you every game really makes you put 100 percent into everything you do. It is an honor to put that jersey on and I miss that feeling.
If you could go back and give one piece of advice to your freshman-year self, what would it be: Enjoy every minute, even 7 a.m. practices because when you're done you will miss it!
How did you get started in hockey: My older brother played so I followed him.
If you could have played a sport other than hockey, what would you choose: Lacrosse
Cookie dough ice cream or mint chocolate chip: Definitely cookie dough!
Choose one to live without, Chipotle or Starbucks: Starbucks. We just got a chipotle and it is amazing!
Favorite sport to watch besides hockey: Football
Favorite non-hockey athlete to watch: Aaron Rodgers, Go Pack!
If you could trade places with any person in the world for one day, who would you choose and why: Obama, I want to know all the secrets!
Where's the last place you went to outside of the country and what was the trip for: Cruise to Bermuda with family and friends.
If you could live anywhere in the world where would choose and why: Bermuda, beautiful beaches, beautiful weather and not too far from the U.S.
