New Canaan High School is home to not only some of the most dedicated athletes, but it's also a magnet for dedicated fans. In our new column, Tracking Our Talent, we track down former NCHS athletes who now play at the collegiate level. Today's athlete is Xandra Hompe.
Xandra Hompe was the first of three sisters to play varsity sports at NCHS. Eliza is the middle sister and Olivia the youngest who is a rising sophomore. Xandra recently completed her freshman year at Cornell where she played two varsity sports at the Division One level.
Name: Xandra Hompe
NCHS Class: 2009
Varsity Team(s):
Hockey, soccer. tennis. Xandra was an All-FCIAC hockey selection. She holds the state record for the most points in a season (96) . She was also a starter on the Rams soccer team and just to fill up some time during the spring season, Xandra teamed up with Sara Willett in her junior year to win the State doubles tennis championship.
Most memorable or fondest sports moment as a Ram:
"The 2007 hockey season when we were trailing Ridgefield in the FCIAC championship game. We were down a goal with time winding down when my sister, Eliza, scored in the final seconds to send the game into overtime. I was fortunate to score the winning goal in the O.T. which gave us the championship. I don't think I'll ever forget that game."
What do you miss most about NCHS?:
"I miss my teammates from all NC sports, especially from the hockey team. We were a close knit group. I really look forward to the annual alumni game when we all get together again."
Biggest adjustment from NCHS to college:
"In sports it was discovering how much harder you have to work to get playing time. The hockey team at Cornell is comprised of all-stars from all over the U.S. and Canada. I didn't get much playing time my first year."
[Ed. note: Cornell finished the 2009-10 season ranked sixth in the nation and runner-up for the national championship where they were beaten by Minnesota-Duluth. Cornell also won its first ECAC Championship. Xandra was one of only three freshman on the team.]
" You really have to love whichever sport you play in college to put in the effort and the time," said Xandra, who used to get a lot more playing time in soccer.
"Being away from home for the first time for an extended period was a big adjustment as well," she added.
Got any summer plans?
"I'm working this summer at Stamford Twin Rinks, teaching hockey to kids. It's a labor of love. I enjoy teaching, especially with the kids."
