Quinn Kropf is strong. Champlain Valley Union's head ice hockey coach Mike Murray uses the word stalwart. "Quinn is a top defenseman. He's stalwart, he's got great leadership qualities, and he's a major part of our team." And that's not all. "Quinn basically does the team's dirty work. He might not get much credit for his play but every time he goes out on the ice he does his job. He's more than dependable," Murray added.

In ice skates by age three, Kropf credits his dad for his interest in the sport. "When I was younger my dad would build a rink in the backyard. I started playing hockey for CSB (Chittenden South Burlington youth hockey association) when I was five years old. I played for CSB until high school," Kropf noted. "I basically have been playing ice hockey forever," he added.  

Shelburne born and raised, Kropf will turn 18 on July 8. His family includes parents, Kim and Joe, older brother Mayson, a University of New Hampshire freshman, and their dog Tessa. 

A three year varsity hockey player, Kropf insists that his strength on the ice is defense. "I'm regarded as a pretty good defenseman," said the humble teenager. It is the only position I have ever played," he shared.

Not surprisingly Kropf's favorite sports memories involve state championships: one crown for hockey and one crown for lacrosse. "Last year, I was fortunate enough to be on two state championship teams. Not everyone is that lucky. I had a great junior year," he said.

This student-athlete chose another sport as his Grad Challenge project. "Last summer I went fly fishing. I had never done it before and it was a lot of fun," Kropf commented. "My community consultant Brett Lewis taught me how to tie flies. It doesn't hurt that my father is fly fisherman too and he has most of the supplies I need." 

In addition to ice hockey and lacrosse Kropf was also a varsity football player; leaving little time for other extracurricular activities except academics where he obviously excels. 

Recently accepted to Boston College, Kropf acknowledges this as his greatest achievement to date. "I am very excited about going to B.C.," he said. "Getting accepted by early action took a lot of weight off of my shoulders," he said enthusiastically. Kropf is interested in pursuing chemistry or premed, although he may re-evaluate his options once at the university. 

His college selection complete, Kropf has plenty of time to enjoy his rite of passage: a well deserved senior year.