A Few Questions with Graduate, Flo Awde

Flo Awde is in her final semester at Arizona State University. Below, Flo reminisces on her time as a Sun Devil and her future plans. Flo will graduate with a ​Masters of Advanced Studies in Transborder Studies.

Talk about your experience playing hockey at ASU.
F: ASU has offered a positive, supportive, and empowering atmosphere, enabling me to grow as a student, player, and, most importantly, as a person. The team constantly lifts each other, whether it’s a morning hug, cheering you on your last Herbie, or even just welcoming you to the rink with a big smile, which significantly establishes a positive atmosphere I admire. As the program continues to build, the team's impact on growing the game in Arizona for young girls is exciting to watch. Being a part of a team building that impacts more than just one program but the larger community of young girls across Arizona is a privilege that inspires me to continue this commitment to building the game and to keep supporting my community even after my time with ASU women’s hockey. 
 
What is your favorite thing about playing hockey at ASU?
F: My favorite thing about playing hockey at ASU is the sense of community on and off the ice. The culture the coaches and players have built here is admirable and a special thing to have the opportunity to be a part of. Having the chance to finish my hockey career alongside such a great group of girls is something I will forever hold close to my heart. 
 
What is your favorite hockey memory from ASU?
F: My favorite memory is the first goal at Mullet Arena with my fellow senior citizen Mason Walker, aka Grandpa. Being able to assist the first goal in the new arena’s history alongside my teammates is an indescribable feeling!
 
What legacy do you hope to leave behind for ASU Women's Hockey?
F: Although my time with ASU Women’s Hockey was short, it was impactful in ways words fail to convey. I hope that my passion for approaching each day as an opportunity to give your one hundred percent effort and do it with a smile is something I instilled in the younger players. Even when the going gets tough, I think it’s important to always remember there are only so many games you have the opportunity to play. You will feel incredibly proud of looking back and knowing you gave it your all. The culture at ASU is something that continues to be bolstered by the remarkable young women who are involved. I am confident that the legacy the senior class has left will be only furthered by the fantastic young players our team will be able to rely on for the upcoming years.

Any advice for younger players or players looking to play at ASU?
F: My best advice for young girls pursuing hockey at an institution like ASU is simple: do it. I have had the privilege of playing five years of college hockey and cannot emphasize how empowering and enriching pursuing a degree while playing the best sport in the world alongside your best friends is. Arizona State offers the perfect mix of academics and athletics, topped off by a fantastic group of girls along for the ride with you. For the younger girls on the team, I want to pass on a simple piece of advice the veterans of my last school’s team also left me with: the days are long, but the years are short. 
 
What is your plan after graduation?
F: I have applied to various doctoral programs in Health Policy, Population Health, and Public Health which I hope to be admitted to next fall. I hope to explore and expand on the issues of pediatric cancer inequities. I am currently studying at the Master's level to evoke change in the medical world. I have been accepted to one public health program on the East Coast so far, but I am excited to see where life takes me next!

From Flo, "I want to thank my family, friends, coaches, and teammates for their support in transitioning to a new country, school, and team this year. I am forever grateful to my family for the endless support my mom and dad have shown me for the last 18 years of my hockey career. I am beyond blessed to have the support of my family no matter where hockey has taken me, and I can’t express my gratitude enough for the tremendous support system I call family. Thank you to the coaching staff for allowing me to play and continue my education. Also, of course, the girls. This experience wouldn’t have been what it was without seeing all their smiling faces and being surrounded by such a great group of girls every day. It has been an honor to be a part of this exceptional program the staff and team continue to build. I am beyond proud to be an alumni of ASU women’s hockey, and I can’t wait to see the continued success in store for the program."