Re: Shannon Miller out at UMD?
Players from different countries and cultures living together...I'd say that was direct in your face exposure to diversity. Having room mates and team mates from across the planet many of whom through the process become good friends and remain so after they graduate further serving as international cross cultural contacts for one another for whatever purposes...I'd say that it's huge. How many of us know people who have had this tremendous opportunity for personal growth? I would guess not many.
What I didn't mention is that there is nothing precluding athletes from others sports from living in these "hockey houses". As a matter of fact, one doesn't even have to be a UMD athlete...so, there is no heavy hand dictating any rules as far as who qualifies to live in these houses. And the real estate is all privately owned with those owners usually being quite thrilled that players on the women's hockey team are their tenants, among others. By default, it's another way of connecting with the community. There is no administrative involvement by UMD...the concept is encouraged and that is it...if you're interested, you work it out with other interested players/individuals...find a home, transact with landlords/landladies, sign leases, etc..
Now one might argue that "allowing" non women's hockey players to reside there if they wish just waters down the purpose of the initial intent. That was my initial thought when I heard about it.. But to the extent that it occurs, and it's not a high percentage of the time, it strikes me as being the best of both worlds for those involved with the majority still being women's hockey players.
Originally posted by brookyone
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What I didn't mention is that there is nothing precluding athletes from others sports from living in these "hockey houses". As a matter of fact, one doesn't even have to be a UMD athlete...so, there is no heavy hand dictating any rules as far as who qualifies to live in these houses. And the real estate is all privately owned with those owners usually being quite thrilled that players on the women's hockey team are their tenants, among others. By default, it's another way of connecting with the community. There is no administrative involvement by UMD...the concept is encouraged and that is it...if you're interested, you work it out with other interested players/individuals...find a home, transact with landlords/landladies, sign leases, etc..
Now one might argue that "allowing" non women's hockey players to reside there if they wish just waters down the purpose of the initial intent. That was my initial thought when I heard about it.. But to the extent that it occurs, and it's not a high percentage of the time, it strikes me as being the best of both worlds for those involved with the majority still being women's hockey players.
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