Working with athletes is always special, but this one hit a little differently.
This was my first time creating content with a female athlete, and as a girl dad, it felt even more meaningful. I brought my daughters along with me for this shoot, and being able to show them what strong, dedicated female athletes look like in real life was something I will always appreciate.
Addison Finn, a hockey player at the University of New Hampshire, welcomed us into her world on the ice. Watching her skate up close was impressive on its own, but seeing the speed, control, and intensity of her movements in real time gave me a whole new appreciation for what hockey athletes put their bodies through. The pace is fast, the transitions are explosive, and there is very little margin for error.
What stood out most was how dialed in everything was. From warm-ups to edge work to full-speed skating, every movement had purpose. It was a great reminder that recovery and body care are not optional at this level. They are essential.
From a personal standpoint, it was also really cool to experience this through my daughters’ eyes. They got to see a female athlete operating at a high level, doing something demanding and physical, and doing it with confidence. That part meant more to me than I expected.
I also snapped a few photos along the way on my phone, just capturing the moment as it unfolded. Nothing staged. Just real, behind-the-scenes glimpses of the work that goes into being an elite collegiate athlete.
Grateful for the opportunity to work with Addison and to learn more about the demands of hockey at this level. Experiences like this are exactly why we do what we do.