Q: What was it like to win the 2007 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award?

Julie Chu: I have to admit, it was a bit overwhelming. It seemed like a million different emotions and thoughts were rushing through my body. Of course, I was honored beyond belief.  Women's college hockey has become extremely competitive with many astounding athletes, so to be the winner of such a prestigious award was a great honor. In addition, my other main thought was that this award was so much bigger than myself. It was about my incredible teammates who played with me last year and also the years before that. It was about my coaches who believed in me and guided me to improving each year. And it was about my family, which is my backbone. They are the ones who will love me unconditionally and will be proud of me no matter whether I win or lose. With the incredible support system that I have, it makes it easy to play well and to feel as if I can accomplish anything that is placed in front of me.

Q: Winning the PKMA really capped off an incredible four-year career for you at Harvard. How did you keep up such a top-notch pace while you were there?

Julie Chu: From a young age, my parents have always instilled in me an expectation to do the best I can in everything I take on. For them, they expected me to not only give my all athletically, but even more importantly, they wanted me to devote myself to academics as well. So when it came to college, it was easy in a way to expect the most of myself in all aspects of my college career. I was able to do well in the classroom and on the ice. As for playing hockey at Harvard, I was truly blessed to be surrounded by incredible teammates who pushed me to improve everyday. When you play with teammates and for coaches who you feel comfortable around and you feel as if you can make mistakes and can grow, then it is easy to do well and to play loose. I have also been fortunate to play on very talented teams in which we did not rest on our talent alone but adopted a blue-collar work ethic as well. The team contributed to the success that I had during my career.

Q: What did you do upon your graduation from Harvard University two months after winning the PKMA?

Julie Chu: Right after graduation, I went on a weeklong cruise with my family. It was a great way to unwind and to take a step back from my college experience with the people I love. The rest of the summer I spent working hockey camps, training for the U.S. Women’s National Team and getting some rest and relaxation. I also played for the U.S. Roller Hockey Team in the World Championships in Spain. As for planning for what I would do the following year, upon graduation, I wasn't sure where I would be this year. However, as time passed, the assistant coaching position for the women's hockey team at the University of Minnesota Duluth opened up, so I applied for the job and was fortunate enough to get the position.

Q: How long do you plan to continue playing hockey and how do you keep in playing shape?

Julie Chu: Well, I definitely plan on playing up through the 2010 Olympics. Beyond that, I have no clue what my body will allow. As for training these days, I follow the strength and conditioning program for the U.S. Women’s National Team. I skate with the UMD women's team, the Minnesota Whitecaps in the Western Women’s Hockey League and play men's pickup. Beyond that, being a full-time athlete and a full-time coach keeps me moving and plenty busy.

Q: What’s it been like moving behind the bench to help guide the University of Minnesota Duluth as an assistant coach?

Julie Chu: I have loved every minute of it. It is great to take on a new perspective of the game. I have a better understanding now of the thought process behind the decisions coaches make. Decisions may not be as black and white as it may seem as a player, but rather much more complicated at times. As for working with the players on the team, they are awesome. They are a diverse group of young women, who work hard and who are willing to learn. Working with [Head Coach] Shannon Miller and [Assistant Coach] Caroline Ouellete has been great, as they have helped guide me into my new coaching role. In my mind, I have the best job. I get to go to work each day doing something I love while working with great individuals.

Q: Will we see you at the 2008 International Ice Hockey Federation World Women’s Championship in Harbin, China?

Julie Chu: I hope so. The team has not been selected yet, but it should be announced soon.  Regardless, I will continue to train hard and to try to push my self more and more each day.

Q: What advice would you give to young girls who are chasing their dreams of playing college hockey?

Julie Chu: Work hard, be open to feedback and have fun! College hockey is an awesome experience.  I only wish that I could play another four years. If you want to play college hockey, go for it. Put yourself in a position to have as many college options as you can. The best way to do that is to work hard both in hockey and in school, so when it is time to look at colleges, you are not limited but rather have many opportunities available to you.