Eastview girls’ hockey player Courtney Kukowski was second on the team in scoring a year ago and will be counted on again in 2010-11.

Kukowski finished with 16 goals and 16 assists during Eastview’s 10-13-3 season in 2009-10. The junior forward is also a member of the girls’ soccer team in the fall. Here is a closer look at Kukowski:

Best movie I’ve seen in the past year: “Slumdog Millionaire.”

Three songs I never skip on my iPod are: “Lose Yourself” by Eminem; “Let It Rock” by Kevin Rudolf; and anything by Taylor Swift.

Three words or phrases my friends or teammates might use to describe me: Energetic; funny; caring.

Favorite pregame meal: Any kind of pasta with bread.

How do you balance school and sports during the year? I have become much better at time management and staying focused on the task at hand.

What is your most memorable moment as a high school athlete? Hockey sections my freshman year. Scoring the winning goal in the quarterfinal game in overtime and then in the semifinal game scoring the game-tying goal with 12 seconds left, both on great passes from Emily Snodgrass. We then went to section championship game for the first time in our school’s history. That was a special run for our team and especially for our seniors.

Who is your school’s biggest rival, and why? I would say all three District 196 schools: Apple Valley as we share the same city, Rosemount as we are so similar, and Eagan as they are always tough to beat.

How did you get started playing sports? Soccer was the first sport I ever played, and I loved it immediately. I was 5. I started playing hockey at age 7 with my younger brother, and we absolutely loved it. I tried basketball before hockey, but there were too many rules as a youth and the game was a bit slow. Really glad I switched to hockey.

At my first varsity practice, I felt… very nervous. I was in eighth grade, and it was my first time playing girls hockey as I had played association boys hockey through seventh grade.

To get focused for competition, I… listen to my iPod, stretch and get prepared for games by visualizing.

I know I have an edge on an opponent when …  I get the puck in the open ice and they don’t know if I will shoot or pass.

What are your goals this season? To make it to the state tournament.

What did you work on in the season? All skills: stickhandling, strength, speed.

Who is your favorite college or pro sports team and why? I would probably have to pick the Wisconsin Badgers. I love the campus and the fan enthusiasm. They also have very good academic and athletic programs.

Do you have a secret talent — and if so, what is it? I can talk in some animated voices. My best one is Stitch from “Lilo and Stitch.”

In 10 years, I hope I … have a good job and starting a family. I still hope to be involved in soccer and hockey as well.