Benilde-St. Margaret’s has many successful alumni, both within and outside of school, ranging from athletic achievements to academic success. Most students thrive after graduation, making the next generation of graduates see all the potential possibilities.
2022 BSM graduate, Emma Peschel, played varsity hockey all four years when she was a Red Knight. She was selected to play on the U18 Women’s Worlds Team, representing USA her senior year which she now looks back at as one of her favorite hockey memories so far. She was also recently chosen for the USA Collegiate Team where they competed against Canada in a best-of-three-game series. “Wearing the USA jersey was an experience that I will never forget; I am forever grateful for the opportunity to represent my country at that level,” Peschel said.
Wearing the USA jersey was an experience that I will never forget; I am forever grateful for the opportunity to represent my country at that level.”
— Emma Peschel
Peschel decided to attend The Ohio State University, one of the top Division I Women’s Hockey programs in the country. There she would get the opportunity to play for the National Championship as a freshman, and she strives to attend that tournament each year. “It’s always been a dream of mine to be a national champion and I am very fortunate for that chance and to be in that position in such an amazing program,” Peschel said.
Transitioning from high school to college can have many different changes ranging from life to sports. After adjusting to new surroundings, Peschel has seen a huge difference in her game after just one year. “My coaches here at Ohio State have definitely made my transition a lot smoother. They know my limits and how to push me, which ultimately makes me a better player,” Peschel said.
Another successful alumnus, Kelly Pannek, graduated from BSM in 2014, finding her love for hockey at a young age. While many successful athletes get into sports by watching their older siblings play, that isn’t the case for everyone. “We had an unfinished basement in my house, and I would just rollerblade around. One day [around the age of 4] I decided to ask my dad if I could play hockey. I had two older sisters and neither played, so I just kind of randomly asked to play,” Pannek said.
Pannek was a multisport athlete in high school as she played soccer, hockey, and lacrosse. She led her hockey team to the state finals and was named a Ms. Hockey finalist in 2014, also winning Ms. Soccer in 2013. BSM’s high standards were able to introduce Pannek to a successful atmosphere early in her life. “The competitive environment that BSM has definitely helped push me to where I am today,” Pannek said.
The competitive environment that BSM has definitely helped push me to where I am today.”
— Kelly Pannek
Getting the opportunity to play college hockey was something Pannek didn’t take for granted. Although many athletes have a difficult time dealing with the jump from high school to collegiate sports, Pannek had an open mind when going into her freshman year at the University of Minnesota. “I think I did a really good job freshman year not expecting to be on a certain line or powerplay. Just taking whatever came and making the most of those opportunities,” Pannek said.
As one of the first members of the new women’s hockey league, the Provincial Women’s Hockey League, Pannek is looking forward to the impact it’ll have on the future of women’s hockey. “I think the investors and ownership groups that we have involved with the league have really high visions that match the players so hopefully that all translates to a really good product on the ice,” Pannek said.