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 11th installment of this series, the WCHA spotlights former Minnesota State standout forward Sofia Even (Poinar), who graduated in 2020. Poniar is now an airline pilot for Delta Airlines. During her time with Minnesota State, Poniar skated in 136 games for the Mavericks while recording seven goals and 12 assists in her career. The former Maverick was a three-time WCHA Scholar-Athlete award recipient and WCHA All-Academic Team member.
Read below on how Poniar's playing career prepared her for her current career path and more.
How did playing college and or professional hockey prepare you for your current career?
Playing college hockey helped prepare me for my airline pilot career. It taught me how to work great as a team, build a solid work ethic, and always push myself to be my best. Competing at that level also showed me how to manage stress and work well under pressure, which I deal with every day in the flight deck
What was your favorite memory from playing in the WCHA?
Playing at a high level of college hockey with my best friends. We have so many fun memories on and off the ice.
What advice would you give to your college self?
Take a step back and enjoy the grind. It goes by fast!
What advice would you give to current WCHA players?
My advice to current WCHA players is this: If you have a dream career you want to pursue, go for it—even if it’s the tougher path. And really enjoy every moment along the way, because those experiences will turn into memories you’ll cherish for the rest of your life.
What was the most rewarding part about playing in the WCHA?
The most rewarding part of playing in the WCHA was having the opportunity to compete in such a highly skilled league, honestly, the best in women’s college hockey. I’m so grateful for all the opportunities it gave me, which helped shape me into a better pilot, friend, wife, and daughter.
What do you know now that you wish you had known when you were playing?
You'll miss playing college hockey when you're done. Appreciate the grind when you're in the middle of running around between practice, games, class, and flight training. The hard work pays off.
WCHA Alumni Spotlight Features
Sis Paulsen, Wisconsin
Abby Haluska, Bemidji State
Julianna Iafallo, Ohio State
Margot Miller, North Dakota
Emma Yanko, Minnesota Duluth
Gabby Billing, St. Thomas
Baylee Stevenson (Gillanders), Minnesota
Sadie Lundquist, Bemidji State
Sheri Hudspeth (Maisonneuve), Minnesota State
Rachel Herzog, St. Cloud State
For more information on the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, follow the league on X and Instagram @WCHA_WHockey, and online at wcha.com.