Guiding Twins Emel and Aylin Aichele: A Unique Journey in College Hockey
Working with twins Emel and Aylin Aichele was a great experience. These dedicated hockey players attended Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland, CA. Since no hockey team was on campus, they participated in both roller hockey and ice hockey in club settings. As their school counselor, I was thrilled when they contacted me for guidance on the recruiting process.
The Dream: College Ice Hockey Together
Emel and Aylin had a clear goal: they both wanted to play ice hockey in college and, ideally, at the same school. They were open to exploring opportunities across different divisions. From the start, I informed them that the process would have its ups and downs. They understood and embraced the challenge with unwavering determination.
Exploring Division 3 Schools: A Learning Experience
Initially, the twins targeted Division 3 schools, gaining interest and even a few offers. However, they soon realized that the small size of these schools meant limited opportunities outside of academics and hockey. Despite these challenges, Emel and Aylin persisted, exploring every potential avenue to achieve their dreams.
The Unexpected Opportunity: University of Utah
Their persistence paid off when the University of Utah offered an unexpected opportunity. While the team was not NCAA-sanctioned, it was an intramural team that competed against other schools. This was a chance for Emel and Aylin to continue playing hockey together in a collegiate environment. They decided to seize this opportunity, and in the end, they were pleased with their decision.
Lessons Learned: Beyond NCAA Sports
Working with Emel and Aylin taught me a valuable lesson: while many students aspire to play NCAA sports, other fulfilling opportunities are available. Intramural and club sports can provide meaningful experiences and allow students to continue pursuing their passion for athletics.
Conclusion
Emel and Aylin’s journey highlighted the importance of flexibility and openness in the recruiting process. Their story underscores the path to college sports can be unpredictable, but staying committed and open to various opportunities can lead to satisfying outcomes. The twins’ success at the University of Utah is a powerful reminder that passion, persistence, and adaptability are crucial to achieving one’s goals, even if the journey takes unexpected turns.
