Annabel Ziskin, a defender who has spent three and a third seasons at William Smith College, announced her move to Assumption University last week, marking a swift transition from Division III to Division I hockey.
From Division III to Division I: A rapid ascent
The shift became necessary after a fractured ankle sustained during her senior year forced Ziskin to undergo surgery and miss the remainder of the season. While recuperating, she entered the transfer portal and was contacted by Assumption’s head coach within an hour of posting her availability.
Ziskin describes the jump in competition as a dramatic increase in game speed and physicality. "The pace is relentless," she said, "and the bodies are bigger, the checks harder. It took a few games to adjust, but the intensity has become a driving force in my development."
Beyond the rink, Ziskin is pursuing an MBA at Assumption while balancing internships in the university’s communications office and at Holy Cross athletics, where she contributed to marketing initiatives.
Family ties run deep in her story. Her brother works as a news reporter and provides play‑by‑play commentary for an ECHL team, while her father light‑heartedly references the Octogenarian Olympics — a TikTok discovery that adds a personal touch to their household banter.
Off the ice, Ziskin is contemplating several job offers and plans to relocate to Providence with her boyfriend, who is employed by the Providence Bruins. The move promises new professional horizons while she continues to reflect on a career that has already delivered both triumphs and valuable lessons.
Looking ahead, Ziskin says she has no intention of pursuing professional play in Europe. Instead, she is focused on completing her MBA, leveraging her internships, and exploring opportunities that blend her passion for hockey with business acumen.