A Desmond in the rough

Some athletes are tabbed "naturals," while others have to work hard at their sport to produce results. Dartmouth women's ice hockey captain Anne Desmond fits the latter description.

It was Desmond's quiet commitment and dedication to the team she's a four-year letter-winner-that earned her the captaincy of the 1985-86 squad. She may not be the fastest skater on the team; she may not be the top goal-scorer; she may not be the most talented player. But her leadership qualities are invaluable.

"Anne is a very hard worker and strong defensive center," says coach Amy Crafts. "She has the great ability to backcheck and shadow the opponent's goal-scorers. She's a four-year player who gives us great leadership."

Hockey hasn't come easily for Desmond. She started playing organized hockey in the ninth grade at Princeton Day School in New Jersey, a late start compared to many players. But her enthusiasm and desire have allowed her to skate ahead of many others.

"I know my skill level is not as good as some players, but my drive and love for the game have made me a better player," says Desmond. "I look forward to getting on the ice every game. Hockey is such a big part of my overall college experience."

Desmond has a younger brother also at Dartmouth, Ned Desmond, a freshman defenseman on the men's hockey team. He shares his sister's love for the sport, but much more than she could be called a "natural." A third round draft choice of the St. Louis Blues, he has received a good deal of media attention during the past season while his older sister has been somewhat overlooked.

"The fact that women's ice hockey doesn't get a great deal of coverage doesn't bother me," says Anne. "It's a reality that men's sports receive more publicity. I just play the game for the enjoyment. The friendships I've made in four years will always be with me."

But though she remains in the shadows in comparison to her younger brother, Anne was blazing a pretty visible trail through the first part of the 1985-86 season. She was the second-leading scorer through five games and led the team to early victories over Yale and Harvard.

What Anne is not looking forward to is the end of her hockey career. "It's going to be hard for me to leave this school and especially my teammates," she says. "Dartmouth and Dartmouth athletics have been a lot of fun."