SAINT PETER, Minn. – Over the course of the 2024-25 women's hockey season, several Gustavus alumni have shown their pride for the program and its history. Assistant Coach
Allie Stanger '19 checked in with a few past players on how the Gustavus women's hockey program shaped their lives.
Courtney Boucher, 2011-15
While on the team from 2011-15, Boucher (Hastings, Minn.) captained the Gusties to three MIAC Regular Season Championships (2011-12, 2012-13, 2014-15), and a pair of MIAC Playoff Championships (2012, 2013). She made two NCAA Tournament appearances, finishing the season in the third place game each time. Boucher totaled 25 goals and 27 assists for 62 points in 112 games played in the Black & Gold.
Boucher graduated in 2015 with her B.A. in Chemistry and a minor in Political Science and returned to help lead her team behind the bench immediately following graduation. Since then, she received both her Master's and Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota, completing her Master's in 2019 and her Ph.D. in Kinesiology with a specialization in Sport Sociology with a minor in Sociocultural Studies in Education in 2022. Dr. Boucher now works as a project manager at NBC Sports Next. She also served as the Assistant Director of Research and Programming for the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport alongside Gustie great Dr. Nicole LaVoi '91 HOF '22.
What was your favorite hockey memory as a player, and then as a coach at Gustavus?
CB: As a player, there were plenty of on-ice moments that could be considered my favorite – we won the MIAC a few times, advanced to NCAAs, and I'll never forget scoring an OT winner in the playoffs my freshman year. But when I look back now, the moments I truly cherish most are the little ones. Starting practice with traffic cop, spending hours with the team in the caf, pre-game soccer, and overly elaborate fire-ups. The best part for me never boiled down to one singular memory, the best part was all the little moments in between.
As a coach, taking third place in the 2017 NCAAs is a memory that stands out. During my short time as a coach, we faced a lot of adversity, but the team handled every challenge with perseverance and grace. That year wasn't easy, but finishing third – the highest NCAA finish in Gustavus Women's Hockey history at that point – was such an incredible accomplishment. It was a true testament to the team's determination and character, and I'm so proud to have been part of that journey.
How did Gustavus impact you as a student-athlete?
CB: There's not enough space in this write-up for me to properly answer this question, but ultimately, it all comes down to one of Gustavus's core values: community. My time on the hill – both as a student and as a coach – was truly a foundational experience, and that's because of the people.
I was immersed in a supportive environment where professors challenged my beliefs and broadened my perspective. Coaches instilled discipline, resilience, and leadership skills that I carry with me to this day. Friends and teammates showed me what it means to be part of something bigger than yourself, modeling teamwork, accountability, and unwavering support. The sense of community that was built during my time at Gustavus has transcended the four years I played and became a network of relationships that continues to shape and inspire me today.
What did being a Gustavus women's hockey player mean to you?
CB: It really meant being a part of a family - one that extended outside of the rink. The bond with coaches and teammates, even those who came before and after me, was something truly special, which created a deep sense of belonging and connection to this program. It was an opportunity to represent a program built on a legacy of excellence and tradition, something I felt incredibly proud to contribute to.
What is the most important lesson that you learned as a student-athlete?
CB: One of the most transformative parts of playing sports is realizing how the lessons you learn on the ice or in the locker room translate to nearly every aspect of life. As a Gustavus student-athlete, I gained invaluable skills that I carry with me to this day. I learned how to be a good teammate, how to lead with humility, and how perseverance can help you push through even the toughest times. I also discovered the importance of balancing many responsibilities without sacrificing quality – something every college athlete can relate to.
And, of course, the one lesson I'll never forget: don't be late for the bus. It will absolutely leave you behind, no matter how good of a player you think you are!
Ultimately, being a Gustavus student-athlete prepared me for the "real world" in ways I didn't fully appreciate at the time. It instilled discipline, time management, and a deep appreciation for the people who support you along the way.
How do you stay engaged and connected with the Gustavus alumni network?
CB: A common theme in my answers here is community – and that doesn't stop once you graduate. It's one of Gustavus's core values for a reason, and that sense of connection remains just as strong after leaving campus. Through different Gustavus programs, it's been great to connect with Gusties across generations, as well as current students, and to see how the legacy of community and excellence continues to thrive. I try to get to a hockey game or two each year. It's important to me to donate back to the College as it has given me so much. Of course, I've stayed in touch with former teammates and coaches, and I've even had the chance to mentor current student-athletes. It's a reminder that Gustavus isn't just a place you leave after four years – it's a community of support and shared values that continue to shape who you are long after graduation.
Check out additional alumni features here:
Kelsey Kennedy '13
Laine Fischer '19
Once a Gustie, Always a Gustie: Behind the Bench with Women's Hockey
