Q&A: Simley forward seeks better girls' hockey fate this time

Senior forward Laken Muller is looking to help Simley's girls' hockey team avoid the same fate as a year ago.

The Spartans opened the season with three consecutive victories in 2013-14. They went on to finish with an overall record of 8-18.

The Spartans have started this season with three consecutive victories, too. Now, they'll look to avoid a similar finish.

Muller scored four goals in back-to-back 5-1 victories over St. Peter/LeSueur-Henderson/Tri-City United and Rosemount. She is coming off a 15-goal season.

Here is a closer look at Muller:

Q Three songs I never skip on my iPod are …

A … "Brand New Day" and "Let It Go" by Demi Lovato, and "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift.

A Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

Q How did you get started playing hockey?

A We have a pond in our back yard, so when I was little I used to go out and skate on it all the time. When I was old enough, I joined hockey and fell in love with the sport.

Q At my first varsity practice, I felt …

A … excited and nervous. I was excited to play with such good teammates, but I was also very nervous because I was so young compared to the other girls and I looked up to them.

A Becoming not only a better athlete, but also a better leader.

Q What are your goals for the 2014-15 season?

A To keep improving and have fun.

Q What is your favorite meal before a game?

A Noodles & Company.

A ... listen to music, concentrate and run through all the things that I'm going to do.

Q I know I have an edge on an opponent when …

A ... I just focus on my game and don't let the other team get into my head.

Q What is your most memorable moment as a high school athlete?

A It was a Classic Suburban Conference game against Henry Sibley my sophomore year, and we ended up winning 3-2 in overtime. This is my most memorable moment because winning that game meant so much to both me and the team. [It was the Spartans' lone conference victory of the season, and came in the final league game of the year.]

A South St. Paul is our biggest rival because it always brings good competition, which is always fun to play against.

Q How do you balance school and sports during the year?

A I balance school and sports well because I have learned to manage my time and finish the things I need to get done.

Q When you have time off during vacation, what do you like to do?

A I love to spend time with my friends and read books.

A The Minnesota Gophers. They're always so good and from Minnesota.

Q In 10 years, I hope I'm …

A… happy with what I'm doing and where I am in my life.

Q What is the best sports advice you ever received?

A To always work hard and never give up because anything is possible if you put your mind to it.