WOODBURY — Nonnewaug senior Sara Norton’s passion for hockey has flourished throughout her years on the ice. An avid athlete at heart, it’s a bittersweet ending for Norton as she takes on her last year on the ice as a high schooler.
“I started playing in second grade and I’ve played for around 10 years now,” explains Norton, who plays for Hamden High School since Nonnewaug doesn’t have a girls hockey team. “My younger brother plays and so does my dad, so I have been around it my whole life. I think it’s really fun to skate. I really like to shoot pucks and it just overall makes me really happy.”
Although high school is coming to an end, that won’t stop Norton from pursuing her dreams further in college.
“I plan on going to college for occupational therapy and including hockey in that equation,” says Norton. “I want to help people and watch them grow and be the best version of themselves that they can be.”
Norton’s influence has left its mark on students and teachers over the years as well.
“Sara is an amazing student,” said Deb Flaherty, Nonnewaug’s library media specialist. “I’ve known Sara since she was in middle school and I used to coach her. She’s a very talented athlete, hard worker, social butterfly, and loves to be around people. Sara wants to major in occupational therapy as well, so I can circle back to how much of a people person she is. I think that it really speaks volumes about who she is.”
Many have said that Norton’s character makes her a great person to be around.
“Sara remembers to ask me what’s going on in my life, which shows a lot about her. She’s very appreciative; she recognizes that there are other things going on in someone else’s life, and that shows a lot about someone,” said Flaherty. “I think it’s been really nice to watch her grow up, and I’m really excited to have her go to college and accomplish really great things.”
Doing the things you love can help boost serotonin, especially for Norton.
“Hockey makes me feel excited and happy, and I just really love to play with my teammates and spend quality time with my favorite people while doing my favorite thing,” says Norton. “I would say I have created lifelong friendships and I cherish them.”
Norton’s previous accomplishments have given her a sense of pride.
“Last year my SSC Champion team went into overtime,” explains Norton. “I went to states alongside and in support of my brother and it made me feel so happy. Knowing my family shares my passion and love of hockey with me makes this an extra special thing that a lot of other people don’t have the opportunity to have.”
Norton hopes to encourage those who don’t feel as motivated to find something they love to do and do it.
“I went through a rough patch with bad coaches and having teammates not try, [which] really made it hard for me to do it as well,” explains Norton. “I found myself not wanting to play as much, but I pushed through and found my love for it in the right place.”
Norton’s skills don’t stop with hockey, as in the past she’s run cross country and track for Nonnewaug. But the ice is Norton’s home.
“My favorite part of hockey is being able to go to practice, go to the gym and enjoy myself and teammates,” said Norton. “I really get to focus on myself, and I feel like I’ve had lots of room to grow as a person and I’m really excited for what’s ahead. I’m really nervous but excited for what’s ahead, and I’m ready to see what my team can do.”
