Alyssa Johncola is an unstoppable force at the University of Pennsylvania.

She’s the president, right winger and former substitute goalie of the women’s ice hockey team, a club made up of both graduate and undergraduate students at Penn.

The 21-year-old senior, who grew up in Philadelphia’s “great Northeast” neighborhood will earn her degree in Italian language and culture studies from the School of Arts & Sciences in May. She’s also in the process of completing pre-medicine requirements.

The daughter of two Philadelphia police officers, Johncola is one of four siblings and while the interest in ice hockey was always there, the fiscal means to do so were not. 

“Ice hockey is notorious for its extreme costs, for the ice and the equipment, which keeps most people from playing the sport. myself included,” Johncola says.

By the time she was ready to apply to college, her father was recovering at home from injuries sustained on duty. The family wasn’t sure if they could afford her college expenses.

“I worked as much as I could,” says Johncola,“but that wouldn’t be close to enough. If it weren’t for the generous grants and scholarships that I received from Penn, I wouldn’t be here. Needless to say, it played an immeasurable role in my attending this Ivy League institution, and I’m extremely grateful.”

Johncola has now been on the ice for about three years. She says she finally had the chance to play during her freshman year after meeting members of the women’s ice hockey club at an Activities Fair.

Her life hasn’t been the same since.

The players, says Johncola, “are like my family, and I would do anything for any one of them. They took me in, lent me equipment, taught me how to play, and I want nothing more than to see this team soar and keep going further.”

More than a decade ago, the club launched its first face-off with humble beginnings but managed to take home the championships in 2004, 2005 and 2014.

“It’s fascinating how the club has grown since its early days. The alumnae are actively involved and generously support the organization,” Johncola says. “I hope to continue to support the team long after I’ve graduated from Penn.”

Coming off an undefeated season, Johncola and the other members of the Penn women’s ice hockey club are looking for new members. They’re also hoping that more students and community members will attend their home games at the Class of 1923 Ice Rink. The contests are free and open to the public.

Upcoming home games include a scrimmage with the University of Delaware, Sept. 21 at 5 p.m.

When Johncola’s not in the classroom, in the library or on the ice, she works as a research assistant for Michael Kahana, professor of psychology in the School of Arts & Sciences and a principal investigator at the Computational Memory Lab. She also serves as the president of the Sport Club Council’s executive board. In addition, she volunteers with the Newman Catholic Center on campus.

“The best thing about Penn is the people I have met, the doors it has opened for me and that I got to play hockey,” Johncola says. “The people I have met here are friendships that will last a lifetime.”