Freshman forward Sami Reber agreed that Baumgartner remains a strong leader and continues to encourage the team.

“Her leadership on and off the ice, being the only senior on the team and being hurt, is incredible,” Reber said. “She really motivates everyone … She’s working her butt off to keep in shape and to get back at it. We all know she’ll be ready to go as soon as she’s cleared to play. She’s done an incredible job as captain so far.”

Stone is looking forward to Baumgartner’s recovery, so the captain can build off her 2010-2011 season, in which she accumulated three goals and six assists.

The team graduated five of its top 11 scorers, making Baumgartner’s return to the ice even more important.

“We want to get her into the lineup, but she’s incredibly valuable whether she plays or not,” Stone said. “She’s been a huge piece of how this team has gotten up to speed so quickly.”

Baumgartner has received support not only from her teammates but also from team alumnae as she takes on the challenges of the upcoming season.

“I’ve already received a lot of emails from alumnae who have already graduated,” Baumgartner said. “Just words of support … It’s going to be a new challenge for me, but I’m ready for it.”