Rory Mayer, a seventh‑grader from St. Johns County, has become a catalyst for girls’ hockey in Northeast Florida after a string of state championships and international competition.
A Early Beginnings and Florida Move
Mayer first grasped a hockey stick at four years old in Maryland, but it was after relocating to Florida five years ago that her passion truly ignited. The change of scenery brought new opportunities and a deeper commitment to the sport.
Balancing Teams and Big Dreams
Today she skates for three different squads: the Jacksonville Lunas, an all‑girls program under the Jacksonville Icemen grassroots initiative, and the coed Jacksonville Junior Icemen. Her sights are set on a professional career and a spot on Team USA for the Olympic Games.
Championship Legacy and International Triumph
Mayer’s second state‑title run stands out as her most memorable season, culminating in a place on the Florida Alliance Girls AAA team that captured the Quebec International Pee‑Wee Hockey Tournament — the first Florida squad to achieve that feat.
Coaches and Community Impact
Coaches consistently praise her drive and competitiveness, noting that she elevates everyone around her. Under the leadership of Amanda Michaud, the Jacksonville Lunas program has swelled from 25 to over 100 participants, reflecting a broader surge in female participation.
USA Hockey reports more than 100,000 registered female players, a 257 % increase since women’s hockey entered the Winter Olympics in 1998. Mayer believes the Olympic team’s success has sparked a wave of interest among girls eager to hit the ice.