Troy, MI. (4/27/24)- The Women's Division 2 of the American Collegiate Hockey Association is proud to announce the 2023/2024 Off Ice MVP is presented to Kristina Cornelio of the US Naval Academy. This award is given to a player that provides leadership and commitment to their program.
While remarkable on-ice, including being the first player in Navy Women's Hockey history to surpass 100 points, Miss Cornelio leadership extends past her presence during the game. Cornelio has redefined what it means to be a Navy Women's Hockey player, and has raised the bar for the commitment needed from our Midshipmen-athletes. This recipient has led Navy through a massive culture shift. From organizing off-ice skills workouts and training for Physical Readiness Tests (PRTs) to building camaraderie through Monday dinners and reading leadership books, she has engaged in all aspects of both a Midshipman and hockey player's life. The Midshipmen has also excelled in her ability to communicate with coaching staff, often bringing challenges to our attention with professionalism and poise rarely exhibited in leaders twice her age. Her poised and mature example has laid a solid foundation for our team's future leaders.
Additionally, Miss Cornelio has elevated Navy Women's Hockey where it matters most to the team: on the Yard. As Company Commander in charge of approximately 130 Midshipmen, she has led her Company to the prestigious "color company" award, given once per semester to one of the 30 companies in the Brigade. Companies are scored for the entire group's military, physical, academic, and athletic prowess. On top of leading her company, Kristina is also a Brigade Training Team Coach, supporting all Midshipmen who need help with their physical readiness. Her willingness and ability to encourage teams to strive for excellence in all aspects of Midshipmen life easily translates from the locker room to the Yard.
Lastly, this student-athletes handles all of these leadership roles (team captain, company commander, training coach) while maintaining over a 3.5 GPA in Ocean Engineering. When she graduates, she'll join the Navy as Surface Warfare Officer, where she'll continue to hone her leadership skills with her sailors and officer peers.
