A stay-at-home blueliner with a fundamentally sound game, Anna Fiegert brings a steady presence to the Minnesota State Mavericks defensive unit. Complemented by international experience as a member of German’s national women’s team, Fiegert is an example of the remarkable number of European competitors making their mark in NCAA hockey.
Perhaps the most cherished highlight of her senior season was the opportunity to have the honor of team captaincy bestowed upon her for a second straight season. Helping to propel the Mavericks to qualify for a WCHA postseason berth, it was testament to her solid leadership. Undoubtedly, Fiegert entered this season with a remarkable run of momentum.
During the 2015-16 campaign, Fiegert showed the occasional flash of offensive brilliance. From the outset, she would log the first goal of the season for the Mavericks, capitalizing on a power play opportunity in an eventual 2-2 final on home ice vs. the Union Dutchwomen. Her three power play goals would tie for second amongst blueliners in WCHA competition.
In addition, Fiegert’s career with the Mavericks would continue to run parallel to her proud international career. Prior to joining the Mavericks, she would experience the jubilation of donning her homeland’s jersey at the 2013 IIHF Women’s World Championships in Ottawa. Following her sophomore campaign, she would return to Team Germany, part of a solid performance for the team at the 2015 IIHF Worlds in Malmo, Sweden.
As a junior, she added another exemplary accomplishment to her international hockey resume, suiting up for her native Germany on home soil at the 2016 Nations Cup in Fussen.
Undoubtedly, her experience as a captain with the Mavericks has transformed her into a more confident player and a reliable presence whose efforts are crucial towards Germany maintaining its status as one of the most promising nations in international play. In reflecting on the opportunity to don the C on her sweater, it is a milestone which she looks upon with equal parts appreciation and humility,
“It has been the greatest honor to be able to lead this team for two years and (to) have had these women choose me for this job and to have their trust. It was great to be able to help this program move forward and improve.”
Statistically, Fiegert opened her season on a strong note, logging an assist in a contest against the RIT Tigers, marking the second straight season that she registered in a point in a season opener. Along with Anna Keys, Fiegert would log an assist on the overtime winner scored by Emily Antony at the 4:20 mark.
Of note, the last goal of her Mavericks career would result in some more hockey heroics. Taking place in a contest with conference rival Bemidji State on December 3, 2016, Hannah Davidson and Corbin Boyd earned the assist on Fiegert’s first period goal. Scoring against All-America goaltender Brittani Mowat, said goal stood as the game-winner.
Fiegert’s last point would take place on February 4, 2017 in a gutsy performance against the powerhouse Minnesota Golden Gophers. Battling back from a 5-0 deficit, the Mavericks would chip away at their opponents lead, scoring thrice. Fiegert would gain the assist on a goal scored by Demi Gardner with only 30 seconds remaining in the game, a solid display of character by the Mavericks.
Equally important in Fiegert’s NCAA career is the fact that she has also worked tirelessly to embody the values of what it means to be a student athlete. The dedication in the classroom has yielded positive results, gaining recognition as both a WCHA Scholar and a WCHA All-Academic selection.
It is the type of positive example that makes her a role model among her teammates, including fellow German competitor Lena Duesterhoeft. Having donned Germany’s colors as the captain of her nation’s U18 team, the Munich-raised Duesterhoeft would suit up for 30 games in her inaugural season in Mankato.
As a side note, she would also join Fiegert as teammates for the German roster competing at the 2016 Nations Cup. The opportunity to extend their careers together as teammates only added to the aspect of competing at an elite level of play on both sides of the Atlantic.
While Duesterhoeft recently completed her sophomore season with the Mavericks, Fiegert is proud of what she has already accomplished. Recognizing her great potential, Fiegert anticipates a promising future ahead for her younger teammate. The chance to be teammates represented a special occasion in their careers, one that she shall cherish among her proud memories of Minnesota State,
“Yes, it is great to be able to share this experience with one of my former teammates from Germany. I believe she can do great things for this program and I am excited for her for these next couple of seasons.”
Part of a senior class with Savannah Quandt and Brianna Quade, Fiegert blossomed into a cornerstone for the program. While there were many proud moments for Fiegert and her fellow seniors, there is one moment that definitely stood out. While the WCHA features some of the most successful and prominent teams in all of NCAA hockey, such talent motivates all members of the conference to elevate their game. Proving that any team can be beaten, the Mavericks enjoyed the thrill of defeating powerhouse Wisconsin during Fiegert’s first postseason experience in the WCHA, one of the wins that would emerge as a defining moment.
“I have had so many great experiences with this team, it’s almost impossible to pick out one favorite one. I would say one of the most special moments for me was when we beat the University of Wisconsin my freshman year (in) the second game of playoffs. It was definitely a special feeling to beat such a highly ranked team.”
“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”
Image obtained from: http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sports/beavers/3887858-womens-college-hockey-bsu-finds-energy-3-1-win-over-msu
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