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 third installment of this series, the WCHA is highlighting former Bemidji State skater Sadie Lundquist. The 2013 Bemidji State graduate is now the Director of Women’s Hockey at College Hockey Inc., which is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and growing NCAA Division I women's and men's college hockey.
During her time at Bemidji State, Lundquist recorded 83 career points in 144 games. She led the Beavers in scoring as a junior during the 2011-12 season and served as team captain her senior season. Lundquist was a part of the 2009-10 Beaver squad that made the first WCHA Final Faceoff appearance in program history. Lundquist graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor's degree in sport management and business administration. The former Beaver also had a stint with the Minnesota Whitecaps during her playing career post-graduation.
Following her graduation from Bemidji State, Lundquist joined the Minnesota Wild as a fan relations account executive, where she managed corporate and season ticket member accounts, led marketing efforts, executed revenue-driving events, and spearheaded girls’ hockey initiatives. Lundquist then joined Bold Orange, a digital marketing agency based in Minneapolis. There, Lundquist served as the senior manager on the client strategy and services team before eventually landing her role with College Hockey Inc.
How did playing college and or professional hockey prepare you for your current career?
I honestly don’t think I could ever finish a full list of the ways hockey, especially college hockey, prepared me for my career and life in general. One of the most valuable things it taught me was how to be a good teammate and a leader and how to navigate the dynamics of being in a locker room filled with different people and personalities. Being a teammate and leader in a locker room means you’re always being challenged to communicate, build trust, resolve conflict, and face adversity together. Along with work ethic, accountability, goal setting, resilience, problem-solving, time-management, and about a million other things.
What was your favorite memory from playing in the WCHA?
I have so many great memories, but playing against Wisconsin outdoors at Camp Randall Stadium is definitely near the top of the list. Getting to play an outdoor game in college was incredible. My whole family made the trip, and it was one of the coolest experiences of my playing career. Also being part of so many “firsts” at Bemidji—our first win over a No. 1-ranked team and first time being ranked in the top 10. There’s something truly special about being part of building a program and working relentlessly alongside your teammates to make it happen.
What advice would you give to current WCHA Players?
The cliché – enjoy every minute of it because it goes by fast. When you can, take moments to stop and appreciate what incredible opportunity you have to play college hockey in the WCHA, alongside your teammates and all those who have represented your program, past and present.
What advice would you give your college self?
Same as for current players, enjoy every single moment—the wins and losses, the bag skates, bus rides, walking around campus, and everything in between. Playing college hockey is truly one of the best times of your life. Living each day alongside your teammates and working toward a common goal for your school and community is an incredible experience that not many get to have.
What was the most rewarding part about playing in the WCHA?
Knowing night in and night out you were going head-to-head with some of the world’s best players and college hockey’s top programs made the wins that much sweeter. Playing in the WCHA also meant my parents and family could be at so many of my games, and that was incredibly important to me. Being able to share the journey with the support system that helped me get there meant everything
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were playing?
I wish I had fully realized just how much work—and how many incredible people—are behind the scenes of a college hockey program, making everything happen. I think we understood it to some degree as players, and we were thankful, but now that I work in college hockey, I see firsthand how many people work tirelessly to create opportunities for women’s hockey. I wish I had taken more time to stop, reflect, and say thank you to the coaches, support staff, athletic directors, teachers, campus faculty, arena crews, and so many others who made it all possible.
For more information on the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, follow the league on X and Instagram @WCHA_WHockey, and online at wcha.com.