’Sader Stories: Millie Sirum

Senior forward  Millie Sirum has been a crucial member to the Holy Cross women’s hockey program over her four years. In 89 career games played, she has totaled 20 goals, 25 assists and 45 points. She has been known as one of the Crusaders leading scorers throughout her career and has earned numerous accolades and honors due to her efforts on and off the ice. In her rookie season she was named the Hockey East Pro Ambitions Rookie of the Week twice, she was selected to the Hockey East All-Rookie Team and was a finalist for the Hockey East Rookie of the Year. She also been selected as the Hilton Garden Inn Crusader of the Week twice in her four years and is a two time member of the Hockey East All-Academic Team. This season the Norway native has scored four goals and had four assists for a total of eight points in all nine competitions on the year.  Sirum recently joined us to let us know a little more about her background and what she has done during her time on The Hill.

When and how did you first become aware of the Holy Cross women’s hockey program?

I first got in touch with the coaches my junior year, and then my senior year of high school I did an official visit here. I immediately fell in love with the school when I got on campus and committed on the same day.

What made you decide you wanted to attend college at Holy Cross?

The top three things were definitely the great academics, the beautiful campus and most importantly the sense of community that we have here. The strong alumni network is also very well known and unique here at Holy Cross which everyone says can really benefit you when it comes to post-grad opportunities. I have also learned the true value of the liberal arts education by taking so many different types of classes and really love it.

Tell us how receiving an athletic scholarship to Holy Cross has put you in position to receive an elite education while also having an outstanding athletic experience?

The opportunity to play here at such a great institution has allowed me to understand how important it is to be somewhere where academics and athletics are equally valued. I knew I would leave here not only smarter, but as a better athlete, and better person.

Coming from Norway, what has the transition to living in the United States been like for you? What are the things from back home that you miss the most?

It definitely took me a while to transition, and every time I go home and come back, I have to adjust. The U.S. is a completely different environment, with different food, and different social culture, but I really started my own life here and I really love living in the US. I have found it is important to surround myself with people that understand different cultures and where I come from who are supportive and make anywhere feel like home. The food! Norwegian chocolate and our traditional brown cheese (brunost).

Recently you played with the Norwegian National Team at the IIHF Women’s World Championships, what was that experience like? What did it mean for you to represent your country on the worldwide stage and how has that experience helped you at Holy Cross?

It’s always such a unique feeling to play for my own country. Being at the World Championships is always really fun. I get to be on a team with some of my lifelong friends, but also play against some of my close friends from other countries as well. I am also competing with older players that have a lot of experience. This has helped me elevate my game throughout the years. My teammates and coaches have also taught me a lot of things both on and off the ice which I have been able to bring back to our program here at Holy Cross.

Currently you are one of Holy Cross’s leading scorers and also have racked up numerous assists and points so far this season. What is important to you to continue to be successful on the ice? What are your goals for the season?

I try to be as consistent as possible in my every day life. Eating well, staying hydrated and getting my 8-9 hours of sleep. Doing all the little things right prepares me for every practice and game. I believe that consistency will lead you to success and whatever points come from that is just a bonus. For me it’s important to feel that I have played a good game and that just comes from giving it my all out there and doing what I can for the team. The only thing I want for us is to win as many games as possible.

What is your favorite thing about being part of the Holy Cross women’s hockey program? What are some of the things you and your teammates do away from the rink to build team unity?

My teammates. Our team is extremely fun and we have such a good group of girls. I think our team has a unique energy in the locker room and we are always laughing and having a good time. I think we emphasize being close and having positive relationships within and outside of practice and games.

You were selected to the Hockey East All-Academic Team during each of the past two years on campus. What are you majoring in, what made you choose that field and what would you like to do after your hockey career at Holy Cross comes to a close?

I am a double major in International Studies and Anthropology. I am also doing the Business Certficiate program. After my hockey career, I hope to one day work in finance, business, or consulting. I feel like there are so many different paths out there that I could follow, so I am hoping to just start out with a job that can allow me to explore careers and figure out what I enjoy doing the most.

To close things out, we’ll have you answer a few quick non-soccer questions.

What’s your biggest game day superstition?
Eating my oats before warmups

What is your all-time favorite food?
Pasta or sushi

If you didn’t play hockey, what sport would you play?
Soccer

What TV show can you rewatch over and over again?
Grey's Anatomy

What is your go-to karaoke song?
Baby by Justin Bieber

Who is your favorite athlete of all-time?
Maria Rooth

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