Nov. 20, 2008
Duluth News Tribune

Denfeld’s Bellamy a finalist for high school Heisman
By Rick Weegman

Duluth Denfeld senior Laura Bellamy is a top-12 finalist for the Wendy's High School Heisman award.

Gossip abounded at Duluth Denfeld High School on Wednesday morning about the reason for a secret assembly in the auditorium.

“There were all these rumors that it was going to be (Minnesota Twins catcher) Joe Mauer or Britney Spears, but when I found out what it was I was pretty excited,” said Denfeld senior Laura Bellamy, who turned out to be the center of attention. “I wouldn’t have complained, though, if Joe Mauer was coming to our school.”

Bellamy, a star goaltender for the Duluth Northern Stars and Denfeld’s top softball pitcher, was named as one of 12 national finalists for the 2008 Wendy’s High School Heisman, an award that honors students who excel in athletics, academics and community service. She’ll fly to New York City and spend the Dec. 12-14 weekend in the Big Apple, attending the college football Heisman Trophy presentation and finding out if she wins the national award. Denfeld also received a $2,000 award in Bellamy’s name.

The announcement added to Bellamy’s big week. On Tuesday, she officially chose to attend Harvard University instead of Minnesota Duluth for the 2009-10 women’s hockey season.

“It was a very tough decision since it’s two of the top programs in the country, and I’ve lived in Duluth and Harvard is 1,000 miles away,” said Bellamy, who has a 4.0 grade-point average and may study pre-medicine at the Massachusetts school. “But in academics, Harvard is second to none. And in women’s hockey, you need to look past college and to the future.”

Northern Stars co-coach Amber Fryklund says Bellamy has the work ethic and attitude to excel no matter what path she chooses.

“She took a very mature attitude toward (selecting a college),” she said. “That’s another of her traits — maturity — and she took the time to think: Do I stay at home in the WCHA or go far, far away?

“She made the choice that’s best for her. What a great opportunity; you can’t pass that up.”