McAuley’s Darbi Poole is headed to Michigan to continue her academic and hockey career.
The daughter of Robin and Dana Poole recently announced her commitment to the Aquinas College women’s hockey team. The Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Saints compete in the Division I ranks of the American Collegiate Hockey Association.
“Aquinas is a smaller campus, but big enough to have everything I was looking for in a college,” Pool said. “Coach (Lisa) Brown-Miller had a big impact on my decision as she has valuable knowledge and experience to share that will help me succeed.”
Brown-Miller is a former NCAA Division I hockey player at Providence College who helped the United States women’s hockey team win gold at the 1998 Winter Olympic Games in Nagano, Japan. Her experience also includes leading the Princeton University women’s hockey team. Aquinas College has an enrollment of 1,400. The school has been ranked by U.S. News and World Report among national liberal arts colleges. Aquinas College counts former Canadian sportscaster Brian Williams among its alumni.
Poole, a forward, joins the Saints after developing her game with the Yellowhead Chiefs. Last season she paced the U18 AAA team with 21 goals in 28 games. Poole was tied for second on the squad with 30 points.
"I am excited to add Darbi to our core of forwards as we aim to bolster the offensive firepower of this program,” Lisa Brown-Miller said on the school’s website. “Her keen on ice awareness, strong skating abilities, persistent drive, and puck handling skills will be welcomed strengths to the team. Her overall athleticism and optimism will also be drivers to help us continue our upward trajectory in the (Central Collegiate Women's Hockey Association) and the ACHA. I am looking forward to coaching Darbi the next four years.”
Poole is excited for the move up to the post-secondary level on the ice.
“I am looking forward to meeting and playing with new teammates, playing in a new league, and against different teams,” she said. “I can’t wait to travel around to different states to play and for the overall experience in a new country.”
Poole plans on majoring in kinesiology with a focus on clinical exercise science.
“The human body has interested me for the longest time whether it’s exercise and fitness or nutrition,” she said. “Kinesiology can lead to a job that keeps me connected to sports/athletes and you can receive the satisfaction of helping people.”
Over the years, Poole has had success in various sports, including hockey and baseball. Throughout her athletic and academic careers, she has been backed by her folks.
“My parents have always supported and encouraged me to work hard with everything I do,” Pool said. “I appreciate their support and thank them for everything they do.”
