The Icing on the Cake

Senior co-captain Holly Leitzes leads women's hockey with a 'never-say-die' attitude

By John Hines

Sports Information Intern

Throughout her career in ice hockey, Holly Leitzes '96 has been a steady presence on defense for the Crimson, but also an imposing threat in the offensive zone.

The senior finished 10th on Harvard's all-time scoring list with 70 points on 18 goals and 52 assists and was within striking distance of Charlotte Joslin's team record of 60 assists. At the conclusion of the season, she received All-Ivy League honors for a fourth time, after being selected to the First Team (twice), Second Team, and Honorable Mention over her career here.

However, statistics cannot measure the effect that this co-captain has had upon Harvard's squad. Leitzes possesses the type of "never-say-die" attitude that coaches strive to instill in their players. Since the defensive lineup for the Crimson has been hampered by injuries all season, the Duxbury, Mass., native has often been forced to play the majority of games instead of normal shifts.

"When Jo-Anne Alissi and Francie Walton were captains my sophomore year, I always thought they were ideal leaders who complemented each other very well. Coming into the season, I wanted to be a more vocal and outgoing leader. Being on the ice so much helps me lead by example."

Growing up on the South Shore, the Eliot House resident started figure skating when she was 4. Having an ice rink in the backyard made things easier.

"We had the rink for 15 years, so that was a plus in introducing me to hockey. When I was 7, my younger brother started playing Duxbury Youth Hockey, so I joined him in the league and became the only girl on any team. When I started at Milton Academy in seventh grade, I joined the school's team and was able to continue playing in Duxbury. In the eighth grade, I joined the Assabet Valley Girls' team, so for one year I was a member of three different clubs." Leitzes enjoyed both team and individual success throughout her high school career. At Milton Academy, she was a five-time All-League selection and was named the Most Valuable Player by both the Independent School League (ISL) and The Boston Globe following her senior season, when she also served as captain. In addition, her Assabet Valley squad captured national titles in 1987, 1988, 1989, and 1992, and finished as the runner-up in both 1990 and 1991. Away from the ice, Leitzes was a four-year member of Milton's varsity field hockey team, earning both All-ISL and team MVP honors in her final season.

With graduation on the horizon, the English/pre-med concentrator is busy applying to medical schools and figuring out her future plans.

"I'm hoping to defer admission and then work half the year and travel the other half before beginning classes. Ideally, I'd like to be in New York or Chicago, although I've applied to numerous schools around here."

With the season over, Leitzes reflected on her time in Cambridge.

"Beating Providence 6-5 in Rhode Island last season for the first time ever was a great win for the program, as was capturing the Beanpot here over Northeastern my junior year. Since I've been here, every season has been an improvement. It's such a bonus to have Coach Stone here. I just wish I was a freshman when she came in. There's more of a commitment year-round, and recruiting has benefited the team."

Since she helps out in the Admissions Office, what type of advice would Leitzes offer to prospective student-athletes about her own experience?

"Although hockey is a top priority, it's important to take advantage of the diversity here at Harvard and to meet other people. Because this is the best academic school in the country, sometimes sports here are secondary So many students have unique things to offer, recognizing the differences between them and broadening horizons is important."

Leitzes recognizes the important role her parents have played over her career. "They've been really supportive. Since I'm the only one in my family playing sports in this area, they make an effort to come to every game. My mother handles the post-game receptions, which is a big deal; she's usually the first parent here and among the last to leave."

Fortunately for Harvard, Holly Leitzes has been a reliable last line of defense who could always be counted upon.