Beyond Bounds: Athletic, Artistic, Academic & Winning The Game Of Life
I can't believe senior Lindsey Hjelm's success with what can only be explained as a successfully split personality.
Gustavus' all-time leader in penalty minutes is known the "Penalty Queen" around campus.
And yet the 2012-13 MIAC MVP doubles as the most benevolent member of the Gustie's hockey team.
(Gustavus hosts UW-River Falls at 2 p.m. Saturday in the first round of the NCAA tournament.)
"I always make a card for each girl on my team throughout the season," said the team's leader in points (27). "Telling them they can get around anybody, and that I notice their extra effort. Or maybe they're just down in the dumps, and I want to pick them up a bit."
The senior's squad has quickly followed the lead of the altruistic All-American – adorning girls' lockers are post-it notes and letters of earnest encouragement from one another.
I can't believe Lindsey Hjelm's array of academic prowess.
The bio major will head to medical school with an eye on multiple disciplines. But she's not just a science nerd -- she's an artistically crafty one, too.
"I have always loved art," she said. "It's something that's a relief for me. I like painting beautiful things such as flowers and bright colors. I also work with a little bit of abstract."
Before the native of North Oaks, Minn., heads to med school, she's eying a gap year that includes Teach for America.
I can't believe how Lindsey Hjelm manages her insane itinerary.
Her list of on-campus activities is so lengthy, it's surprising it doesn't include insomnia just so she can fit it all in.
Tri-Beta: A national biology chapter/club that includes her group hosting elementary children on campus to help show them what collegiate science is like.
Gustie Greeter: First years are lucky enough to have Hjelm welcome them to campus during orientation.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes: Not only does she lead a bible study for her hockey teammates, but she's been a leader of the campus' FCA chapter, too.
Peer mentor: Once a week, the senior helps six students master their science material.
Cosmetologist (seriously): "I do all my teammate's nails, and my friends', too," she said. "They joke that if I didn't go to Gustavus, I would have gone to cosmetology school."
Oh, and she juggles a religion minor, and a studio art minor.
I can't believe the numbers Lindsey Hjelm has posted in four years.
92-14-8 and 62-6-4 – Gustavus' overall and MIAC record with her on board
26-0-1 – Gustavus' record in 2012-13
17 – Her roster number, the same one her father wore when he was an All-American leading Gustavus to a third-place finish in the NCAAs back in 1982.
4 – All-Conference honors
4 – MIAC tournament titles
3 – NCAA tournament fourth-place finishes
2 – Her team's national ranking
0 – The number of losses Gustavus has suffered this year
But the number Hjelm doesn't have – and desperately wants – is the No. 1.
"This is the going to be the year we win it all – go big or go home," she said.
If Hjelm wants a national crown, it'll be hard for anyone to stand in her way – literally. She's listed as 5 feet, 9 inches tall -- but with skates it's more like 6 feet.
One more thing – Gustie skaters all sport handmade bracelets.
Why? Because Hjelm believes every one of her teammates deserve handmade momentos.
Can you believe this?
Actually, I'm finally starting to.
