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Grace Glover, third-year education student and goaltender for the Pandas hockey team

From the classroom to the crease, student-athlete Grace Glover is a commanding presence. As a standout ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ goalie and a high-achieving third-year Education student, her hockey stats are matched only by her academic accolades.

Over two seasons as a goaltender with the Pandas hockey program, Glover has posted an impressive .953 save percentage, a 17–5 win-loss record, and nine shutouts. Off the ice, she’s just as accomplished. Glover is a two-time Academic All-Canadian, an honour awarded to student-athletes who maintain a minimum 80 per cent average while competing during a year of USPORTS eligibility.

Between school work and hockey practice, there’s little time for much else, which is why Glover is grateful for the numerous scholarships and awards she has received to help her reach her goals. Support from generous donors has allowed Grace to focus on both school and hockey, in that order.

“I’ve always put my academics first because you’re a student before you’re an athlete,” says Glover.

Students like Glover have benefited greatly from the support of donors to the Shape the Future campaign. Focused on student success, gifts to the campaign enhance financial support for access and affordability, experiential learning opportunities and student spaces. By supporting the campaign, donors open doors for students to become leaders, innovators and change makers.

While hockey drew Glover to the U of A, the education program helped seal the deal. The Faculty of Education is ranked number three in Canada according to Maclean’s University Rankings. Glover has wanted to be a teacher since the age of 15, and her studies are focused on elementary education with the hope of one day teaching grade three.

An average school day begins with a trip to the gym. Following Glover’s workout, she’s off to class, followed by some time to study in her favourite place in the Education building or the Students’ Union building. Hockey practice and team meetings occur between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., followed by another three to four hours of homework and studying. On weekends, she can be found competing at Clare Drake Arena or on the road with her team. Sunday is a day of rest and homework.

Glover will don the Pandas jersey this season, with hopes of capturing a national championship. She recognizes the incredible history of the Pandas program and said winning a title would be a fantastic addition to her already accomplished highlight reel.

“The Pandas hockey program is just so special both on and off the ice, and I recognize all the people who have built the culture and the program,” Glover said. “I am so fortunate to be a part of it.”

With talent, determination and a community behind her, Glover embodies what it means to be a student-athlete, and she knows she isn’t going it alone.

“It's amazing how much support I've gotten in university,” Glover said. “The scholarships I’ve received have helped me in more ways than I can even describe! Thank you so much!”