AMCAT Conversations: Nick Kukuris, Hailey Shaw, and Julia Smith

The AMCAT Conversations series is a way to allow others to get to know the student-athletes of Anna Maria College on and off the field/court. We hope you enjoy their conversation. 

PAXTON, MA - In our third edition of AMCAT Conversations, we sat down withmen's ice hockey forward, Nick Kukuris. Kukuris is a sophomore from Littleton, CO, and a Health Science major who arrived on campus from Eastern Hockey League's Connecticut Roughriders. Next, is Junior Utility fielder, Hailey Shaw of the AMCATS softball squad. Shaw is a Social Work major from Salem, NH where she attended Salem High School. Finally, we talked with women's ice hockey goalie, Julia Smith. Smith is a freshman Fire Science student who currently resides in Chillwack, BC where she played for the Female Major Midget League's, Fraser Valley Rush.

Why Anna Maria College? Why Division III?

Kukuris: I decided to attend Anna Maria College because I was aware that it was a smaller school and I wanted to put myself in a good situation where I could focus on my academics with few distractions. I wanted to play NCAA hockey from a very young age and Anna Maria was a great fit for my playing style.

Shaw: I chose Anna Maria College because my school closed because of financial reasons. So I was looking for a similar small community that would benefit my learning style, and need for socialization within the community. I chose Division III because I wanted to prioritize my learning but also get to play the sport I love.

Smith: I chose Anna Maria College for the opportunity to play hockey in the state of Massachusetts which I have wanted to since I started playing hockey. The school also gave me the opportunity to study a degree that would help me obtain my dream jobs as a firefighter.

What is your favorite class and professor?

Kukuris: My favorite classes so far have been my science classes. Genetics is a very interesting course and the professor, Dr. Gow, helps every student out as best as she can and has had a very positive impact on my college career so far.

Shaw: My favorite classes have been anything that Professor Strong has taught. She is so relatable and teaches by real-life examples. She is also so understanding if things happen or my sports schedule gets in the way and is always ready to check up on you or make changes to accommodate.

Smith: My favorite classes are definitely my Fire Science classes especially with Professor Daugherty.

What is your favorite place on campus?

Kukuris: I enjoy going to the student success center to be able to focus on homework and get help if needed.

Shaw: Anywhere my friends are. 

Smith: My favorite place on campus is the weight room in the Gym since my time is usually in there, my, room or at the hockey rink.

What motivates you to work hard?

Kukuris: Maintaining eligibility has been something that motivates me but I also stay motivated by looking towards the future and knowing that the work I am putting in now, will pay off.

Shaw: Remembering what I’m doing all of this for. I always think about my mom when I feel like letting up or slacking and I immediately get out of that mindset because she gave me this opportunity and has always been my biggest support system. She is my driving force in everything I do.

Smith: The thing that motivates me is my family. They have been my supporters since day one and I want to do everything in my power to make them proud.

Who is your favorite school to play against?

Kukuris: I enjoy playing any team around Worcester to prove that we are the best team in town.

Shaw: I know this isn’t in our conference, but at my old school I loved playing Becker. They are always a challenge and I love a challenge.

Smith: My favorite school to play against would have to be either Post University or Kings College.

Who is your favorite professional team?

Kukuris: I enjoy watching the Chicago Blackhawks or the Colorado Avalanche.

Shaw: The Boston Red Sox. 

Smith: My favorite professional team would be the Vegas Golden Knights or the Montreal Canadiens.

What three people would you invite to a dream dinner party?

Kukuris: I'm not sure, that's a tough one. 

Shaw: Steven Tyler, Tim Burton, Johnny Depp

Smith: Hilary knight, Marie Philip Poulin, and Emerance Maschmeyer. 

What would you eat at this dinner?

Kukuris: N/A

Shaw: Probably something with pasta. 

Smith: I would say either pizza or burgers. 

Who is your hero?

Kukuris: My dad is my hero because he has shown me a great work ethic.

Shaw: My mom. She has done everything for my siblings and me and she always remained strong and graceful while doing it.

Smith: My hero is Roberto Luongo of the Vegas Golden Knights. 

If you could choose to do only one thing for a day, what would it be?

Kukuris: I would like to be an astronaut for a day to be able to experience the universe with my own eyes.

Shaw: I don't know, that's a real hard one since there's so much I would want to do. 

Smith: Playing hockey!

What are some of your hobbies?

Kukuris: Playing hockey and going to school. 

Shaw: Softball, hiking, painting/drawing, and listening to music.

Smith: I like to go fishing in the spring with my grandpa and I like trying new things to stay active.

What sports did you play growing up?

Kukuris: Hockey, lacrosse, and golf.

Shaw: Softball, soccer, and honestly, any sport that came my way.

Smith: Hockey and soccer. 

If you had superpowers, what would they be and what would be your superhero name?

Kukuris: Not sure. 

Shaw: Superspeed or flight is ideal so I can travel without paying.

Smith: If I could have a superpower it would be a time traveler and my superhero name would be The Time Wander.

What is your favorite movie?

Kukuris: Don't Mess With The Zohan.

Shaw: The Nightmare Before Christmas. 

Smith: My favorite movie is a tie between a movie called Rush or Miracle.

What is your favorite TV show to binge?

Kukuris: Ozark.

Shaw: Criminal Minds.

Smith: My favorite show to binge is Atypical or Game Of Thrones.

If you had to describe yourself as an animal, what would it be?

Kukuris: I'm not sure. 

Shaw: An energetic sloth.

Smith: I would be a bear because I value my space but I'd protect my family and my lovef ones at all costs.

What is your dream job?

Kukuris: I would like to attend medical school after I graduate from Anna Maria and become a surgeon. This has been a dream of mine for many years and Anna Maria is providing the correct tools to make this possible.

Shaw: Either DCF or working in the pediatric medical field

Smith: My dream job is to a firefighter along with being a goalie coach to help young kids reach the next level

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