The Bowdoin Orient

February 16, 2001
Volume CXXXII, Number 16

Senior Spotlight: Gloria Sonnen

by HENRY COPPOLA, ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

   Last week you got to meet one of the leaders of Bowdoin's men's hockey team, this week you'll get to know one of the leaders of the women's hockey team. Anchoring the team from her defense position, Gloria Sonnen is a four-year letter-winner and wears the C for a second time this season.
   Sonnen's leadership has been instrumental in shaping a young team and helping them to develop into the force that they are today. Coach Michele Amidon credits Sonnen with "molding a very young group of hockey players into not only a talented team, but a team of good citizens as well." Amidon continued, calling Gloria "someone a coach never wants to lose and when you have to, you wish she could be your assistant coach!"
   Sonnen's leadership, in addition to her record of community service, has earned her a place as one of the finalists for the 2001 Hockey Humanitarian Award Foundation's Hockey Humanitarian Award. According to the Foundation's mission statement, "The Humanitarian Award acknowledges the accomplishments of personal character, scholarship, and the giving of oneself off the ice to the larger community as well." In her nomination of Sonnen, Amidon said, "As her coach, I feel that Gloria's value extends far beyond points, assists, wins, and losses. Gloria Sonnen doesn't just talk about making the world a better place; instead she absorbs herself in that endeavor."
   There is indeed much more to Sonnen than an outstanding leader and hockey player. She is a member of the Residential Life Staff serving as head proctor for Appleton this year. Sonnen also belongs to many other campus organizations including the Student Advisory Committee, Warriors, the Young Alumni Leadership Program, and Bears and Cubs.
   Returning to the ice, Sonnenis from Minnesota where, she says, "You're kind of born on skates." It wasn't until high school, however, that Sonnen first began playing real, organized hockey. She credits Coach Amidon with helping to generate her passion for hockey at the college level. She also cited Amidon as a role model, saying, "She's played at the game's highest levels, and she is an incredible teacher and a great person to learn from."
   Sonnen has been very pleased with the team this season, calling it the most talented squad that Bowdoin has had. "When we put our minds to it we can beat anyone," she said. "I look forward to taking another shot at the defending National Champs [Middlebury]." She also spoke very highly of the team dynamics, "It's so much fun to have such a great group of people to hang out with, on and off the ice." Sonnen called the team "down to earth" and claims to not have any superstitions-just habits. Hockey provides Sonnen with an arena of competition outside of academics; she also said that it provides her with great stress relief.
   A Psychology major, Sonnen is interested in a career in social service; she is considering Americorps after graduation. Nothing has been finalized though. "It's more fun that way," she says.
   Regardless of where she ends up after Bowdoin, hockey has been a big part of her time here. "I can't imagine life at Bowdoin without hockey," Sonnen said. When she graduates she'll be missed on the ice and not easily forgotten. Coach Amidon had this to say;"I know that Sonnen's legacy will live on at Bowdoin as a model captain and good citizen for many years to come."

Hockey Humanitarian Award finalist and team captain, Gloria Sonnen. (Henry Coppola/Bowdoin Orient)