Medfield’s Julia MacLean ’18 has agreed to play ice hockey for the Merrimack College’s Division I Warriors program. She signed a letter of intent during a Nov. 10 ceremony recognizing seven Williston students signing to play college sports at the Division I and II levels.

A defensive player, Julia has been playing hockey since she was five years old. Her proudest moment playing for Williston was a win against Phillips Andover during her junior year. “It was an extremely emotional game for both our coaches and players,” she said. “I think coming back from some difficult events prior to the game and overcoming them really exposed our heart and togetherness as a team.”

Despite the challenges that come with being a team leader (including relating to the wide variety of personalities of players on her team), she enjoys the role. “I can be someone who my younger teammates can look up to. I love that I can be someone who they can talk to for support, or just be a friend.”

It was on the ice at Lossone Rink at Williston that her dreams to play Division 1 hockey came true, she said. As she shifts to college, she said her goal is to be the best player, person, and student she can be.

Her ice hockey coach, Christa Talbot Syfu, spoke about her skills on the ice: “Julia has been an impact player since arriving in ninth grade,” she said. “Last year, she brought her game to a new level as she became more offensive; she had five goals and 14 assists for 19 points. She finished fifth overall for points on the team. Julia plays consistently well, always doing the little things and making very strong decisions with the puck. She will be relied on heavily this season and we are excited to see her game continue to grow in the upcoming season.”