Across the storied history of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, countless student-athletes have left their mark on the ice and have continued to excel in their post-collegiate careers. In this special Alumni Spotlight series, the WCHA will highlight former players around the league who have made an impact and gone above and beyond in their respective professional careers.
In the fifth installment of this series, the WCHA is highlighting former Minnesota Golden Gophers defender Baylee Stevenson (Gillanders). The 2014 University of Minnesota graduate earned her bachelor’s degree in Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences before completing her Master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of North Dakota. Stevenson now works as a Speech-Language Pathologist in a school division in Southwest Saskatchewan, where she supports children from Kindergarten through high school.
Stevenson was a part of both the 2012 and 2013 Minnesota squads that claimed back-to-back NCAA Championships. The 2013 Golden Gophers also recorded the first and only undefeated season in NCAA history, going 41-0-0. During her four seasons with the Gophers, Stevenson totaled 42 points (9g, 33a) and appeared in 161 games. In her senior season with the Gophers, Stevenson was named an assistant captain and recorded a career-high 16 points off of six goals and six assists while playing in all 41 games for Minnesota.
How did playing college and or professional hockey prepare you for your current career?
Playing collegiate hockey helped me prepare for my current career and life in countless ways. It taught me how to be a teammate and how to work towards a common goal while also learning to buy into a team philosophy. Hockey showed me what it takes to lead and communicate effectively with others. I was also surrounded by exceptional coaches and leaders, so I was able to experience firsthand what that looks like. On a more practical level, hockey helped me to instill habits such as being time efficient, meeting deadlines, multitasking, and pushing through adversity. All of those skills have carried over to my current career and my personal life.
What was your favorite memory from playing in the WCHA?
I think it is hard not to mention the back-to-back National Championships and the 63-game win streak. I was grateful and excited about this accomplishment during my time at the University of Minnesota; however, the further you are away from that, the more I appreciate and understand how cool of an accomplishment and experience that was.
What advice would you give to your college self and current WCHA Players?
Take in every moment. Playing the sport you love at the college level is truly something. Embrace the good and the bad, the long road trips, the tough practices, the wins, and the losses, as these are the experiences you will remember. More importantly, don’t overlook or take for granted the friendships you’re building, as these will be some of the most important people in your life in years to come. Finally, it is one of the best times of your life
What was the most rewarding part about playing in the WCHA?
That it is one of the best college women’s hockey leagues, and being able to play in that league every weekend was very rewarding. Every game was up for grabs, and that’s what made it fun.
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were playing?
It goes by too fast. This answer sounds repetitive or cliché; however, it is so true.
For more information on the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, follow the league on X and Instagram @WCHA_WHockey, and online at wcha.com.