 Julie Chu is the first Asian-American woman to compete on the U.S. National and Olympic Hockey Team. A student and hockey player at Harvard University, the 23-year-old is one of the highest scoring players in the school's history.
TFK: Have you been interested in playing hockey since you were young?
Chu: Yes. First I started out playing soccer in kindergarten. One day my brother came home and asked our mom if he and some of his friends could play hockey. My mom signed my brother up for hockey and me and my sister up for figure skating. Then I played hockey later.
TFK: What's the coolest thing about hockey?
Chu: The coolest thing about playing hockey is being part of a team. Also, it's a great honor to represent my country.
TFK: What got you interested in the sport?
Chu: My brothers introduced me to it and I've always been a team sport person.
TFK: You're not only playing on the U.S. Women's Hockey Team for the Olympics, you're also playing on your college team against other colleges. It must be different, playing against other colleges and playing in the Olympics! What's it like?
Chu: In college, the competition has been getting harder and going up and I'm playing against people who are about 18-25 years old. In the Olympics, there is an even wider age range of really talented players from all over the world.
TFK: How do you balance hockey and college?
Chu: My mom always made sure that school came first and that I always had my homework done. However, I try to spend equal time in both. I want to do my best in both.
TFK: What has been the most challenging part of playing hockey?
Chu: The hardest part is making sure that you get better each day and work harder. Even on days that I'm really tired, I still try to get in that extra workout so that I know I tried to make myself a better player that day.
TFK: Do you have any favorite athletes? What do you admire in them?
Chu: I'm mostly a fan of people closest to me. I'm also a fan of my teammates. I admire people that are committed, honest, kind, and not afraid to be themselves.
TFK: What do you like to do to relax?
Chu: I like to nap, eat, cook, read, and go to the movies.
TFK: Do you see yourself as a role model for kids today?
Chu: Yes, and I feel very fortunate to be in this position. It's a great honor. You're kind of put in a role model position when you're an Olympian.
TFK: What are a few words of advice that you would give to kids, especially girls, who are interested in playing hockey?
Chu: I would tell them to make sure that you enjoy the game and that you want to do it. I would have never gotten where I am today if I hadn't enjoyed the game.
By Layo Obamehinti
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