Sept. 21, 2008
Duluth Journal

Bellamy to pick between three schools
By Howie Hanson

Northern Stars standout senior goaltender Laura Bellamy has narrowed her college choices to the University of Minnesota Duluth, Ohio State University and Harvard University, she said prior to a preseason captains’ skate Sunday.

“My professional goal is to be a pediatrician,” said Bellamy (right), a 4.0 student (on a 4.0 scale) and one of Minnesota’s top Division I recruits in both hockey and softball.

“I have not received scholarship offers from either UMD or Ohio State,” said Bellamy. “I recently received an e-mail from Harvard’s financial aid office with information on the scholarship they would be able to provide for me if I did get in. That is based strictly on financial need as they do not offer athletic scholarships.

“As far as the decision goes, I have official visits scheduled over the coming months and will be able to make a decision after visiting these schools.”

Without question, Bellamy is a model high school student-athlete.

“She’s a one-of-a-kind, a great athlete and top student,” said Northern Stars co-coach Amber Fryklund (right), a former star player at Bemidji State and Hibbing. “She stops the puck — and will be great in college.”

Bellamy has been a varsity starter since the 7th-grade.

As impressive as Bellamy is athletically, she is a wonderful, positive young woman who enjoys life and has tremendous leadership skills, said Northern Stars co-coach Jim Knapp, a former longtime Bulldogs men’s assistant.

Knapp (right) said he wouldn’t be surprised if Bellamy picks Harvard or another Ivy League school, though Bellamy admitted her dream since childhood has been to play in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.

“Based on her high test scores and hockey skills, Harvard might make sense,” said Knapp. “She’s an extremely hard worker and will excel at the Division I level. We’re certainly proud to have her in our program.”