The season marked many firsts for the program, including a series sweep of Princeton University in the quarterfinals, a dramatic overtime win against Harvard University, a bid to the final round of the ECAC playoffs, and its highest-ever standing in the conference, as well as Head Coach John Burke’s 100th career victory. Pre-season polls predicted the team to finish at the bottom of the ECAC standings; however, the persevering squad never let that turn its sights for anything less than gold.

Despite losing to Dartmouth College in the ECAC finals—and narrowly missing out on a bid to the NCAA tournament—the graduates still kept their heads high on the year. “As a senior, I don’t think I could have asked for a better way to end my career,” said McDonald. “We came a long way this year, and no one really expected us to make it that far,” explained Stewart. “It’s really neat to be the underdog, but to finish successful[ly].”

Throughout their four years here, each has collected a multitude of memories that will never be forgotten, whether it was on the ice or simply bonding with teammates. “Honestly, one of the funniest nicknames we have for each other is my own—the Hamburglar,” explained McDonald. “I got it at the beginning of my freshman year from the 2008 class, because my last name is McDonald. I still remember when they would rampage my room at 2 am with half-eaten burgers because they thought the ’Burglar was hungry.”

McDonald also notes junior teammate Laura Gersten’s overtime goal against Harvard as one of her most exhilarating experiences of her collegiate career. “I don’t think I’ll ever forget how excited I was, and how excited the whole team was.”

One of the senior traditions held by the team is to get a photo with the graduates and the coach before parting ways. “Melissa [Boik] decided at the last minute before the picture was taken that she would lean over the Coach [Burke] and give him a great big hug,” said Stewart. “Coach was completely caught off guard, and didn’t know how to react to that. It was one of the funniest moments this year.”

As the first class to graduate having played its entire career in the elevated level of competition, special memories only experienced by those six seniors were formed. “It means a great deal to me coming into a program that just started as D-I with my class. We are now part of history at RPI, and that’s something to brag about in 50 years,” said Stewart.

“It’s special knowing that you were part of the building years of a team, but still be able to see the team make it so far in the playoffs,” explained McDonald. “No one would have expected me to be part of a team that made it this far, and I am so happy that I got to have that experience.”

Although not advancing into the NCAA tournament was a disappointment to most, it only proved how far the team has gotten in four short years of D-I play. “We left behind the fact that even though we don’t have any all-star players, it’s teamwork and dedication that will get teams to the goals they set for themselves this season,” said Stewart. McDonald agreed: “Of course I’m sad I couldn’t be part of it because I know the team will make it in the future; however, I just keep remembering all the history we made in that week—first series sweep in quarters, first semi-win, first win against Harvard—I’d say those are things to be proud of.”

Life at RPI prepares its students for far more than the career paths they are set to travel upon walking across the stage at graduation, and students often take away much more than a diploma from the experience. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in management, Stewart plans to return to Canada to attend the University of Toronto in the fall to receive her bachelor’s of education, as well as a teaching certificate to become a high school teacher. “I also hope to continue my education to get my master’s in education,” she explained. At the team award ceremony held at the end of the season, Stewart was awarded the Bill Cahill Memorial Award, presented to a player who displays high character, ability, and dedication. Stewart finished her career with 25 goals and 39 assists for 64 points, ranking 21st in program history. In four years of collegiate hockey, Stewart missed only two games—playing in 129.

McDonald, who will be graduating with a dual major in mechanical engineering and Science, Technology, and Society, also plans on furthering her education in graduate school. “I am going to be pursuing a master’s in environmental studies, and hopefully in the future will be able to study environmental law.”

The senior class hopes they were able to impart wisdom on the growing team throughout their four seasons here. “I think we have taught other classes how to balance working hard and having fun. We never took anything too seriously to let it affect our play, but everyone always showed up at the rink and gave everything they had,” said McDonald.

“Even though we were unable to win the ECAC, I think we are leaving behind a new goal for the team to reach next year,” explained Stewart. “I think the program is in great shape right now, and with Coach Burke leading the team, I think the women’s hockey team is going to accomplish great things in the future that RPI can be proud of.”