However, Stone and some others directed Francisco in the other direction. In Francisco's eyes, coming to Harvard was her only shot at playing college hockey.

Francisco took a post-graduate year at Phillips Academy, and played hockey for Andover. Her coach at Andover was supportive, and the preparation was essentially just what Francisco was looking for. The team was good, but not so good that Francisco did not get enough ice time to work on her skills.

"It helped me get my feet back under me," Francisco says. "It helped me get back up to speed."

The next year, Angie Francisco came to Harvard. She started her hockey career on a Crimson team that was about .500. By her sophomore year, Francisco was a member of the team that captured the AWCHA National Championship.

"My first year, I really enjoyed the team," Francisco says. "By my sophomore year, we had really turned things up."

Last season was a difficult one for the Crimson. Arguably one of the best teams in the country, Harvard lost its semifinal game to Dartmouth and did not get invited to the National tournament.

It is no surprise that Francisco is determined to bring success to a new Crimson team, with a "new look" this season--fewer skaters and less "big-name talent."