The Observer: Having played on so many different teams over the past few years, how do you feel the Olympics compare to those teams/tournaments?

Kelli Stack: The Olympic tournament is in a class above all others, so the previous teams/tournaments I have played in really don’t compare to this experience at all, but it is because of those tournaments/teams that I have made it this far in my hockey career. The Olympics is the biggest stage in the world for all sports.

O: How did you feel when you found out you made the Olympic team?

KS: It was hard to put my feelings and emotions into words when I found out I made the Olympic team. I was extremely happy, excited, and relieved that my ultimate dream was finally coming true and that all of my hard work and sacrifices over the years had paid off.

O: How did it feel to have to leave the Eagles in what would have been your senior season to go train for the Olympic team this past year?

KS: It was something I prepared myself for. I knew that I would have to take the year off if I made the team. I also knew that Molly Schaus was in the same boat as me, so to have her go through the same thing made it easier for myself. I was sad that I wouldn’t get to share my senior year with my fellow classmates, but I am excited to experience my senior year with the rest of my teammates.

O: Who has helped the most in getting your hockey career to the Olympic level?

KS: I might get in trouble with this question, but I would say all of my coaches and teammates along the way. I’ve learned something from all of them, and playing with my former and current teammates has made me the player I am today, so I have a lot of people to thank for pushing me to become an Olympic-caliber player.

O: So many people tune into watch the Olympic opening ceremony. What was it like to be there in person and walk out with the US team?

KS: Again, it is hard to put my emotions and feelings into words, but walking in the Opening Ceremony was something extremely special. It was the most fun I have ever had in two minutes. The walk went by fast, but I will definitely remember it for the rest of my life. I really enjoyed sharing the moment with my teammates and the rest of the US athletes.

O: Is your Olympic experience anything like you imagined it would be? What’s the atmosphere like?

KS: I came into the Olympics with zero expectations. I have heard stories about other people’s experiences, but my experience so far has been awesome, and I know the best is yet to come. The atmosphere in the village is incredible. I am surrounded by the greatest athletes in the world and it is like one huge celebration when I look out my window and see the city. Every day I wake up is like Christmas morning.

O: Have you been able to watch any of the other Olympic events in your free time? What is your favorite Olympic event to watch? Do you have a favorite athlete?

KS: Yes, I saw Apolo Ohno win a silver medal and J.R. Celski win a bronze medal in person at the Short Track Speed Skating. I have also watched many events on television. I cannot pick just one favorite event, but I love watching snowboarding, hockey, downhill skiing, moguls, figure skating and long and short track speed skating. I have a few favorite athletes: snowboarders Shaun White and Louie Vito, figure skater Evan Lysacek, short track speed skaters Apolo Ohno and J.R. Celski, and hockey player Ryan Malone.

O: What is your schedule in Vancouver like? Do you have to practice a lot? Wake up early?

KS: We have practice every day that we are not playing a game. Our only day off was Friday the 19th.  Surprisingly, we have a lot of free time after practice and are able to see the city, hang out with family or go to other events. We do not have to wake up too early, sometimes 8:30, but I really enjoy when we get to sleep in until 10 a.m.

O: What teams do you think were the hardest opponents in the tournament?

KS: Well considering we are already in the finals, I think Canada will be a tough opponent and we face them next. They are always tough.

O: Is it nice to have a fellow Eagle teammate with you?

KS: I am so happy I can share this experience with my fellow Eagle teammate, Molly Schaus. This journey has been extra special knowing that we’ve basically worked together for three years to accomplish this goal.

O: Has any of your family made the trip to Canada to watch you play?

KS: Yes, my mom, dad and aunt came out February 11th and experienced the Opening Ceremony live. Also, my mom’s cousin, her husband and their young son came out for our first two games. Finally, my brother and his best friend are coming out on the 21st and will get to see the semi final and hopefully final game as well.

O: Did you ever imagine that you would be representing the United States in the winter Olympics? What is it like to represent your country?

KS: Yes, I have had this dream since I was very young, probably since I watched the US women win gold in 1998. Representing my country is something extremely special to me. When you put the jersey on you are representing all Americans out there. I enjoy playing for my country because I know how much it means to all the fans out there supporting us.

O: Have you had the opportunity to meet any athletes from other sports? If so, who is the coolest or most interesting person you’ve met?

KS: I have met plenty of athletes from other sports. I could name a lot, but the coolest people I’ve met are Shaun White, Louie Vito, Scotty Lago, and Greg Bretz from the US men’s snowboarding team. They are very laid back, down to earth guys who just like to have a good time.

O: You led BC in scoring all three years that you played. Was it difficult to miss the opportunity to lead scoring again for a fourth year, as well as skate alongside your teammates?

KS: No, It wasn’t difficult at all to miss the opportunity to lead scoring again for a fourth year. Seeing my team struggle so far has been the difficult part because I love to see my teammates have success and have fun.

O: How does it feel to play alongside the best players in the country? Is there less pressure on you to lead the team in scoring since there are high-quality players at every position?

KS: It’s awesome to have the best players in the world as my teammates. They continue to amaze me every day on the ice and they definitely make my game better.

O: How do you rate your success so far in the Olympics? Personally you have 3 goals and 5 assists thus far, one goal and one assist in the semifinal game against Sweden, and the team is off to a 4-0 start, scoring 40 goals in 4 games.

KS: I think I’m playing well and doing my part to help us win.

O: What are your plans after the Olympics? In regards to hockey and your degree.

KS: After the Olympics I’ll take some time off and relax for a few weeks. I plan on taking summer classes at BC and will train for the coming NCAA season.

O: What will you take away from your Olympic experience?

KS: A hell of a good time!

O: Have you thought about hearing our national anthem played at the end of all of this? What do you think it will take for team USA to win a gold medal in women’s ice hockey?

KS: I actually have not thought about hearing our anthem yet. I am only focused on the living in the moment, so all I’m concentrating on right now is preparing myself for our next opponent. In order to win a gold medal in women’s ice hockey we have to play a full sixty minutes. We can’t take a shift off and we have to leave everything out there. If we play our game, we will be successful.

O: If you could sum up your Olympic experience in one sentence, what would you say?

KS: I am grateful to be alive, healthy, and having the time of my life here.

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