Meghan Brennan, like so many peers at this stage in her life, is taking a hard landing as she moves away from her college athletics career. But her worldly horizons, marked by the places she has seen and the tongues she has learned, have prepared her to bounce back up and reemerge in another field upon graduation this month.
Unfortunately, for many college hockey players, the chances to play professionally diminish as the competition gets more intense. It is always important for these athletes to remember that they are students as well, and this fact is not lost on the newly former Colgate forward.
The Ottawa, Ont., native is nearing a degree in international relations. On the surface, her major is no surprise given that Ottawa is Canada’s capital city and, much like Washington, D.C., it is the place where the Canadian government centralizes its authority and, yes, interacts with other countries.
However, Brennan admits, growing up close to the Canadian capital did not automatically translate into an interest in world affairs. Rather, her fascinations took a change on the fly after she came to campus.
“Although I definitely grew up in a government city, I wouldn’t say it necessarily influenced my interest in international relations,” reflected Brennan to Pucks and Recreation. “Colgate is a liberal arts college, which allows students to explore their interests.
“I thought that I was going to be an economics major at first, but really enjoyed my international relations courses I took freshman year. My major also has economics requirements, so I get to study a wide variety of topics.”
This interdisciplinary focus was one of the main reasons Brennan chose to attend college in the United States. But her parents were the most supportive of her vision to work in international relations.
“My parents were very supportive and advised me that I should choose to study something that I am interested in,” she said. “Colgate advisors encourage students to explore a subject of interest, rather than one that seemingly translates into a career. You don’t necessarily have to be an economics major in order to work in finance.”
Playing hockey was just a bonus for Brennan, but it was one that she appreciates every minute.
(Photo credit: Bob Cornell)
“I wanted to attend a prestigious university and play Division I hockey,” she said. “Colgate was the perfect fit. From the moment I stepped on campus, it just felt right.
“Colgate has opened up many doors for me that I would have never dreamt of prior to attending school here. I have met lifelong friends here.”
Brennan has explored her passion for international relations in a variety of ways, and that has included expanding her worldview. She has already visited Sweden, Finland and Germany, and is fluent in both English and French. She maintains a strong commitment to continuing to expand her knowledge, having taken German classes at Colgate.
Brennan’s time as a competitive hockey player is virtually over. The forward recorded five points in 101 career games over four years as a Raider. But she will not abandon her passion for the sport altogether, or for other intensive athletics, in the future.
“I can see myself playing hockey recreationally in the future, but am happy to pursue other interests of mine as well,” she said. Of potential future athletic pursuits, she added, “I love long-distance running and my goal is to run a marathon someday.”
Brennan’s experience and intellectual endeavors should lead to success in her professional career as well. To date, she has logged an internship with Merrill Lynch, where she served as an assistant to the senior financial advisor, reviewing client profiles and preparing presentations, among other responsibilities.
It is a question on everyone’s mind when one hits senior year of college, but Brennan responded with high hopes for her future. She may even have a way to keep exercising her interest in sports for a living.
“I would like to return to Ottawa this summer to unwind and spend time with friends and family,” she said. “I have so many great friends in Ottawa. In September, I would like to move to the U.S. and work in the SaaS/Tech industry, or in sports marketing.
“I would also be more than happy staying in Canada. Colgate has an incredible alumni network. We will see where the future takes me.”
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