Music and cheers blast from the locker room after the unexpected victory. Their unranked team was not predicted to keep up with the top ten competition on the ice, let alone achieve a 4-0 score. The whole game felt like a blur, a dream, to senior Bronwyn Khangsar. She went home that night with her voice hoarse from cheering and her spirit high after the team’s triumph. 

Khangsar has been balancing playing competitive hockey and playing the trumpet in Wind Symphony band since she began high school. She is committed to play NCAA Division 1 women’s hockey at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) next year.

“The biggest challenge has been balancing and choosing certain tournaments to sit out or choosing certain football games to not go to because I know it has negative impacts on both sides,” Khangsar said. “I’ve just been really fortunate to have understanding people above me that are willing to help me pursue both of my passions.”

Khangsar’s parents grew up in Canada, and when they moved to Texas, they brought their love of hockey with them. Khangsar remembers going with her parents to ice rinks and doing public skating sessions as a kid.

“I noticed one day that they split up the ice and while I was doing skating lessons,” Khangsar said. “Some people were playing hockey in the other corner. I thought, ‘Wow, that would be really cool.’ I asked my mom to try and the rest is history.”

Having played hockey for over 10 years, Khangsar has fostered her skills while playing a defensive position for Dallas Stars Elite Girls U19 Tier 1. Her coach, Mike Salekin, said her determination and work ethic, along with her commitment to being a good teammate and leader, has helped her progress into a top player in the nation.

“She’s one of the best teammates, and the best leaders that I’ve had the pleasure to coach,” Salekin said. “I think the most important thing to note is what a great person and teammate she is. I think that’s what RIT was looking for: not only a great hockey player but a great teammate and leader as well.”

Khangsar committed to RIT when she was a sophomore. In USA hockey, colleges start scouting around athletes’ sophomore year because there are certain times when players can talk to colleges and colleges cannot talk to them. RIT spotted Khangsar at a development camp hosted by Dallas Stars Elite and then contacted her coach to work out their offer.

“I’m a small part of [the scouting process]; I guide it, but it’s based on Bronwyn’s level in academics and her hockey level,” Salekin said. “RIT traveled to Dallas and they really saw a lot in her and wanted her on their team, so they can push to the next level.”

With her demanding schedule of having to balance marching and concert band along with high-level hockey, Khangsar said her active participation in those activities came down to clear communication. 

“She’s worked hard to try to communicate in advance about conflicts because there have been some conflicts that have been really awkward and have affected the performance quality of at least the musical group,” director of bands Andy Sealy said. “She is really choosing to develop both her musical skills and her athletic skills simultaneously; many times, kids will make a choice and choose to leave the other behind. I’m very proud of her and her dedication to developing both things.”

Khangsar said the most challenging aspect of hockey is being consistently motivated to improve and trying to balance her schedule, but she is thankful for the opportunities hockey has given her.

“I like all of the friendships and relationships I’ve made over the past ten plus years of playing this sport,” Khangsar said. “I have friends all over North America, even in Canada. Pictures on my wall remind me of all the fun times I’ve had playing this sport with all of the people I’ve met.”