Jackie Friesen, a forward on the UW women's hockey team from 2001-2005, played in 136 games for the UW. Friesen contributed 53 goals and 34 assists for 87 points in her four-year career. Upon completing her eligibility, Friesen remained with the program as an undergraduate assistant coach. Since graduating in 2006, Friesen has played hockey professionally overseas while traveling back to her hometown of Regina, Saskatchewan during the summer.
What have you been doing since graduating and where are you living and working now'
Upon graduating I went to and played pro hockey in Switzerland for the 2006-2007 season for DSC Oberthurgau. Then went and played in Prague, Czech Republic for the 2007-2009 seasons for HC Slavia Praha. Then this past year in Prague I also worked at Riverside International School as a Learning Assistant. In the summers I am back in Saskatchewan training and working.
Is hockey still a part of your life, how so '
It definitely is as I was playing overseas and plan to continue being involved with hockey.
Did your experience in athletics influence you in your current vocation' If so, how'
Well my past vocation was a hockey player so yes, my athletic experience helped with that. But I did obtain a Kinesiology ' Physical Education degree and hope to teach someday at a high school level using this degree. I have always been involved in sports growing up and loved playing anything and everything. I was lucky enough to play hockey at the NCAA level so hope to transfer my passion for athletics/physical fitness on to students.
What is your fondest memory as a student-athlete '
A fond memory would be any Saturday that there was a home football game. I loved the sea of red and white around the football stadium and attending the football games. Badgers fans are pretty amazing.
What was your favorite moment on the ice '
I don't know if I could say I have one favorite moment on the ice, but I will always remember my freshman year being the first team to sweep Minnesota-Duluth on the road, in their rink when they were ranked No. 1 in the country. They actually went on to win the National Championship that year, so those wins were really big. And, also playing in two WCHA finals and being on the first Wisconsin team to make the NCAA tournament.
Do you still currently follow UW women's hockey' Have you been back to any games'
I still do follow the team as best I can and have been able to watch through the internet when they have played in the NCAA Championship game these last couple of years. Unfortunately I have not been back to a game as I've been overseas during the season.
What do you miss most about being a UW hockey player ' Miss the least'
I miss my teammates as we are now all spread throughout North America. And I miss the playing the level of competition and physical play in the WCHA.
What was/is the best part about being a Badger '
The best part of being a Badger was how well we were treated in regards to equipment, training facilities and of course training table. There is a pride factor that goes along with being a Badger. I remember how much pride I had putting on my jersey for games and just being so thankful that I was a Badger. I always thought and still do that the UW is the best school and wondered why anyone would pick any other.
What was your favorite class at Wisconsin '
My favorite class at Wisconsin was any Kinesiology class having to do with teaching Phys. Ed.
What was your favorite part of campus' Where did you spend most of your time'
My favorite part of campus would be the Terrace as I love being by a lake. Also I enjoyed going to the farmers market every Saturday and buying mini banana chocolate-chip loaves.
What advice would you give current student-athletes '
Just to enjoy your time at school and not sweat the small stuff.
