Senior forward Meghara McManus (Milton, Mass.) surely left her footprint on the UNH women's hockey program, as she led the team in goals (17) and points (27) in her final season, while she won the Karyn L. Bye Award as the team's most valuable player, as well as the Blue Line Club Award, given to a player that embodies what it means to be a Wildcat by exhibiting a positive culture in the locker room, on the ice, in youth clinics and in the community.
But, it wasn't just the times on the ice that the university and the hockey team impacted her. While reflecting on her four years in Durham, she recalled the people, places and moments that made it special. LIVING THE STUDENT-ATHLETE LIFE McManus, Carlee Turner, Emily Rickwood
"One of the biggest lessons that I have learned is to enjoy each day and not take it for granted," said McManus. "As cliché as it sounds, as student-athletes, we often get caught up and focus on what we need to get done next, instead of enjoying where we are in that present moment."
McManus understood that being a Wildcat meant more than just wearing a uniform and playing a sport.
"Whether I was in class, on the ice or hanging out with my friends, being in the moment and enjoying the simple things meant the most to me."
Throughout her UNH career, McManus learned that the people who are a part of your journey make it special.
"What made UNH so special was the people who I've met. I am so thankful and grateful for my friends and I will always cherish the memories made with them."
McManus also mentioned that, "Being part of the UNH athletics community is something special in itself. Everyone you walk by who plays a sport is always saying hi, even if you don't know them. The beautiful campus and sense of community made it really feel like home for me." McManus with her teammates
She also understands that playing a sport has helped her prepare for her own future.
"Being a student-athlete has prepared me in so many ways for the future. Making sure I am staying organized and learning how to time manage are key components. I learned that having a routine is the biggest component that helped me."
One thing McManus learned from this was, "to take a step back and enjoy the process because one day it is going to come to an end, and that time has now come. All of these skills I will for sure take with me everywhere I go, and I am thankful that I had the people and resources to help me." MEMORIES Hannah Touzos, Lexie Revkin, McManus and Abby Chapman
While reminiscing on her four-year career, McManus remembered many good times that she spent with her teammates and coaches. Her favorite game in a Wildcat uniform happened to be her last at the Whittemore Center.
"The most exciting one was our senior game this year when we beat Boston College 5-1. It was a great day to reflect on all of the time, dedication and commitment that myself as well as the rest of my class has put into the program. All of us had a lot of family and friends there to be part of our special day and these types of memories are the ones that will last forever." McManus on Senior Day
The road-trips are an important part of a college athlete's experience, and McManus' most memorable one came in the playoffs of her senior year.
"My favorite road trip was when we played Providence in the Hockey East quarterfinals this past season. We went into their rink and we swept them in two games, 4-2, and 1-0. Everyone on the team was energized and I remember sitting on the bench and was thinking like, 'this is what it's all about.'" The Wildcats swept Providence in the Hockey East quarterfinals
McManus will never forget the people that helped her become the person she is throughout her time at UNH.
"The coaching staff, Joanne Maldari and my professors were on top of their game every day and mentored me throughout my career. I learned so much from all of them, such as being the best version of myself, to be confident and to learn from failures." The Seniors with Associate Head Coach Stephanie Jones, Head Coach Hilary Witt
and Assistant Coach Bill Bowes WHAT'S NEXT
Although her time at UNH has passed, McManus realizes that when one door closes, another one opens. This is not the end, but a new beginning. McManus will play for the NWHL's Boston Pride
"After graduation, I am pursing my dream of playing hockey in the NWHL for the Boston Pride. I am also in the process of applying to nursing school at UMass Boston for January of 2021." McManus with her family on Senior Day Please check back to UNHWildcats.com as we continue our Senior Reflections series.
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Thursday, February 27
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Sunday, February 23
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