Penn State women's hockey welcomes six newcomers to the 2021-22 roster as the Nittany Lions aim to defend their first-ever CHA regular season championship title.
Head Coach Jeff Kampersal and the entire women's hockey program are happy to welcome the newest student-athletes to Hockey Valley.
"After a well-deserved break in May, the Nittany Lions are all busy getting better, said Kampersal. "These six players will significantly add to our already motivated team."
Introducing the first of our incoming student-athletes, defender Karley Garcia!
KARLEY GARCIA
Position: Defense
Height: 5-7
Shooting Hand: Right
Hometown: Roseville, California
Previous Team: North American Hockey Academy
PRIOR TO PENN STATE
Named alternate captain of the North American Hockey Academy of the Junior Women's Hockey League (JWHL) in 2018-19…Won JWHL Championship in 2019-20…Scored 41 points in 57 games in 2019-20 season…2020-21 season canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic...Attended USA Hockey development camps at U15, U16/17, and U18 Top 70 divisions…Moved to Vermont from California to pursue hockey opportunities at NAHA in 2018…Won 2017 NorCal State Cup soccer championship and named title game MVP for the Placer United Girls Development Academy.
PERSONAL
Full name is Karley McKenna Garcia…Parents are Steve and Kristy Garcia…Has one sister, Kelsey…Intends to major in kinesiology…Born July 9, 2003 in San Jose, California.
WHY KARLEY CHOSE PENN STATE
"I chose Penn State because I feel it is a great fit for me. It is the perfect combination of a great hockey program, exceptional academic opportunities, as well as an amazing coaching staff. When I first saw the campus, I fell in love with it. It not only has amazing sports facilities but a lively atmosphere where I feel like I can fit in and thrive."
COACH KAMPERSAL'S VIEW
"Karley is a tough and rugged 1v1 defender. She makes the correct first pass and likes to join the play. Her mobility on the offensive blue and ability to read plays makes her a threat. "
