At the age of 14, I set a clear goal for myself: to continue my hockey career in the United States.” – Interview with Jázmin Bauer

How did you get started in ice hockey, and when did you first realize you wanted to pursue the sport more seriously?

I first stepped onto the ice at the age of six, inspired by my second cousins, and hockey has been a defining part of my life ever since. I have always taken the sport seriously and knew from an early age that I wanted to pursue it with dedication. The turning point came when I was around 14 years old, when I set a clear goal for myself: to continue my hockey career in the United States.

When did you decide that you wanted to study and play hockey in the United States, and why did you choose this path? Which university will you attend, and what will you study?

I have always been drawn to the American collegiate system because it allows me to pursue both higher education and competitive athletics at the same time without having to choose between them. Once I realized this was the path I wanted to follow, it quickly became clear that it was the best option for me. Starting this September, I will be attending Lawrence University, where I will major in International Business while also playing for the university’s women’s ice hockey team.

Who has played the biggest role in helping you reach this point?

First and foremost, I owe everything to my parents, who have always been my greatest supporters. They have made countless sacrifices over the years to help me achieve my dreams, and I am incredibly grateful for everything they have done for me. From a professional standpoint, I also owe a huge thank you to my goaltending coach, István Spiller. Without his expertise, patience, and constant support, I certainly would not be where I am today.

How did Study N Sport support you throughout this journey?

The Study N Sport team took a tremendous amount of pressure off my shoulders throughout the entire process. From reaching out to American coaches to guiding me through the complicated student visa application, they were there for me every step of the way. I truly believe that without their guidance, I could have easily felt overwhelmed by such a long and complex process.

What has been the biggest challenge on your journey to playing college hockey in the United States, and what are you looking forward to most about living and playing there?

As a Hungarian female ice hockey player without any previous international experience, one of the biggest challenges was attracting the attention of American coaches and earning their trust. That’s why I am especially grateful that I was able to prove myself. What I look forward to most is experiencing a completely new environment, getting to know a different culture, and stepping outside my comfort zone. On the hockey side, I can’t wait to meet my teammates in person, become part of the team, and work together toward achieving great success.

What are your biggest goals as both a hockey player and a student in the United States?

I believe that, as a female ice hockey player, simply reaching this point is already a tremendous achievement. Looking ahead, I want to become an important contributor to my team while continuing to improve as a player. Academically, my goal is to perform at the highest level, make the most of my education, and build a strong foundation for my future.

What message would you share with young ice hockey players who are considering studying and competing in the United States?

My advice would be to never let early challenges or self-doubt stand in the way of your dreams. Don’t be afraid to dream big, and always believe in yourself. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that is absolutely worth working hard for.