The 2022 Senior Perspectives is the 17th in a series of annual collections. Senior captains and representatives of teams at Harvard have been invited to contribute viewpoints based on personal experience from both their senior seasons and full varsity careers at Harvard.
Becca Gilmore
Hometown: Wayland, Mass.
Concentration: Economics
House Affiliation: Pforzheimer
A chance to wear the Harvard hockey jersey one more time. The decision to take a year off during the pandemic was the easiest decision I've ever had to make. Even the slightest hope of the opportunity to play the game I love alongside my teammates was worth taking a chance. I'll remember capturing the Ivy title and hoisting the Beanpot, but my Harvard experience was not defined by chasing championship titles. Harvard hockey gave me so much more than just the game I love. It is about tradition, family and perseverance.
However, before I begin to reflect on my Harvard hockey journey, I would be remiss if I didn't recognize the very people who made it all possible – the unwavering support of my family, friends and childhood coaches. I often told my parents this was our journey, not just mine. To play Division I hockey at Harvard is simply a pipe dream without all of them.
The moment I stepped onto Harvard's campus in the fall of my freshman year, I knew I was part of something special. An immediate connection or 'in' to a family. Within the first hours, I would meet my lifelong best friends and people who would have my back no matter what. It seemed surreal, superficial in a way. How could you have an instant bond with those you just met? I'd soon find out that the answer lies within the tradition and culture of Harvard hockey.
At the front of our locker room, there is a phrase, "The Tradition Lives On In you.' As a freshman, I couldn't quite pinpoint the meaning until February at our Alumni Night. Complete strangers of all ages bound by tradition. We may get more 'swag' and have a world-class locker room now, but the traditions of Harvard hockey have long predated these luxuries. Each player who has donned the HH jersey continues to cultivate and nurture a lasting and impactful culture that extends far beyond the ice. Of course, we train to win. Believe me, there was no shortage of hours spent at the rink. All of us are competitors at heart. But, as I look back, I know the emphasis in my Harvard career was not about excellence on the ice. Rather, Harvard hockey shaped who I am as a person and taught me what it truly means to be part of something bigger than yourself. And that is something I'll cherish forever.
I'd be lying if I said there were no hiccups. Sophomore year I experienced a series of injuries – a torn knee, broken finger and a concussion. I was faced with disappointment and realized that I might never know my full potential as a hockey player. But it reminded me of the very essence of why I chose to come to Harvard. The experience is unrivaled because each athlete has the opportunity to explore their interests beyond their sport. In the face of disappointment, I found strength in knowing my team and coaching staff would support me in all my dreams. I can honestly say battling injuries was the best thing that happened to me. It forced me to adapt and explore new interests. It taught me perseverance and vulnerability. And most of all, it showed me that hard work, dedication and support can always yield a comeback.
As I write this today, I've realized I still haven't completely processed that this chapter has come to a close. The past four (really five) years have been transformative. I am confident that Harvard hockey has shaped who I am today, and the lessons I've learned will guide me in my next chapter. I may never step back on the ice, but I will forever have a second family.
A coach once told me, 'there are times when sharing incredible disappointment can be more revealing than celebrating victory,' and that was certainly true this year. A dream season ended in a heartbreaking loss. But, as I stepped into the locker room for the final time, I realized how incredibly resilient our team became and how special our group is. A theme of my career is win or lose, we did it together. I've never been more confident that the tradition will live on in each 2021 – 2022 senior class member.
