Alina Müller

You have been living in Boston for almost four years and you are enrolled at Northeastern University. What do you study and what does your daily routine as a student athlete look like?

I am graduating with my Bachelor's in Behavioral Neuroscience in May 2022 and starting a one year Master's in Human Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences. I have lectures or lab work Monday through Thursday between 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. On Fridays, only until midday. After that, I go to the dining hall or cook my lunch before we start with the off-ice training at 3:30pm. Ice practice then starts at 5:00 pm. After that dinner is served followed by homework. 

How did you initially become interested in college ice hockey? Was it always a dream of yours?

 
I was recruited by coaches at international tournaments. I also had teammates on the national team who were in college and told me about it. It wasn't a dream of mine, because I didn't know if it could be something for me. I decided on short notice towards the end of secondary school to write the exam for the art and sports high school at Rämibühl in Zurich so that I would have the option to study at college. When I heard more and more about this great US college opportunity during my high school years and also received more inquiries from schools in the US, I really wanted to try it out.

You grew up in Switzerland, you play for the Swiss national team, but at the same time you spend a lot of time in the USA. Was the adjustment difficult and what do you miss when you're in the USA?

Boston has become my second home. What this city invests in sports is impressive and a true dream. I really enjoy my time here and try to make as many contacts as possible. The adjustment was not difficult, as I was immediately welcomed by my teammates and the school. Americans are always very open, outgoing and helpful. I didn't know if I would be homesick, but fortunately that was never the case because you are so busy. I partly miss the quality of food in Switzerland and of course my friends and family. Otherwise, I have more than enough of everything here. I really appreciate that I can find something to eat at any time and that the stores are open longer as well as on Sunday. I sometimes forget about that luxury when I'm back in Switzerland :)

You are in the final years of your college career. What have been some of your personal highlights over the past few years?

 
Fortunately, I get to play and study here for another year. All Division 1 athletes got an extra year because of the Covid pandemic. I've had a lot of personal highlights since moving to Boston. To even live in this city and attend Bruins, Red Sox and Celtics games is still surreal. Of course, I had a lot of highlights with the team on the ice. Playing in the Frozen Four twice was very special, there are a lot of spectators and you are treated like an NHL player. But also the lifestyle in general is just awesome, really like in the movies!

You will be graduating soon, what are your plans for the future?

I will complete my Masters degree in the summer of 2023 and until then I will play for the Huskies as usual. After that, I want to earn a little money from ice hockey, but at the same time continue my studies or apply what I've studied in a professional job. Where that will be is still open, but very likely either in the United States or Sweden. 

What advice would you give to young female hockey players who would like to play college ice hockey in the United States?
 

If you have the opportunity, by all means do it! These 4 years were the best of my life. I met so many new great people, matured as a person and benefited a lot as a player. It's a chance to live the dream and play under professional conditions. I would definitely recommend going to a school where there are a lot of international students and there is an airport nearby. Especially if you are on the national squad, you will be traveling back and forth about four times a year and appreciate every hour less travel time. It's also important to talk to people who have been to the US and have insider information. In the end, your gut feeling will tell you where you will be most comfortable and which coaching staff will appeal to you the most.