One of the definitions of the word "leader" is a "guiding or directing head." That describes Hamline senior hockey player Jaci Reinke perfectly. The Waconia, Minn. native has been a stalwart on and off the ice in her four years here.
Last week, the MIAC took note of this as she became the first Piper ever named recipient of the Sheila Brown award. This award, named for the former directors of athletics at St. Catherine, is presented to a senior who has made a long-term contribution to her team's success, competing consistently with good sportsmanship.
Jaci provided good offense in her four years here (17 goals, 36 points), excellent coverage in her own end while playing defense and stayed out of the penalty box (just four penalties in 95 career games).
This year, she help guide the younger players along as Hamline qualified for the MIAC playoffs for the first time in nine seasons.
In addition, she is an excellent student (majoring in Marketing and Management) and does considerable volunteer work with the Herb Brooks Foundation and Hamline's SAACÂ entity.Â
Her coach for the past two years, Natalie Darwitz, freely admits she will be missed next season. But her legacy will be remembered for a long time to come.
