Michelle Fontanez | Ice Hockey
I play ice hockey in an all-women’s 18+ league based in Central Florida at the Orlando Ice Den. We have ladies playing us ranging from ages 18 to 58! I’ve been playing with this incredible group for the past 3½ years. I primarily play left wing, though I occasionally rotate in at center. My journey with hockey actually began back in the 90s when I played throughout middle and high school—about four years in total. I was part of a midget travel league in Freeport, Long Island, NY, and made history as the first female to play on the varsity team at Farmingdale High School. Altogether, I’ve played for about 8 years, though there was a 24-year hiatus after a lower back injury in high school that derailed my college prospects—right when I was being scouted by Division I programs. That setback was heartbreaking, but returning to the sport has been one of the most fulfilling chapters of my life.
What do you love most about being involved in sports as an adult?
As an adult, I have a deeper appreciation and intensity for the game than I ever did before. My understanding of hockey’s dynamics is sharper, and my muscle memory? Still rock solid—it’s amazing how much stays with you even after 20 years! But what I absolutely love most is the camaraderie among the women on our team. It started with my former assistant (Jacqui) introducing me back to play the game, and from there the brigade of encouragement fuels the group! I thrive on cheering this team on, (yes, you can catch me shouting at them from the bench, hustle, shoot, dig, you got this!) encouraging them to no end on and off the ice (Amanda I got you!), sharing tips, and watching everyone grow together.
It fills me with pride that, even at 47, I can keep up with 18- and 26-year-olds (Ingrida I'm talking about you) —and when my teammates tell me how fast I was flying across the ice, (Thanks Lauren) it truly warms my heart. There's no better feeling than scoring a sweet cross ice goal that just hits right from a corner pass (Julie that was one of my favorite goals you set me up on) or assisting a rookie (Grace, Siena & Sam love you ladies) in getting their first goals, or finally getting to play on the same team when we rotate rosters ( Layla, Nicole & May I'm looking at you! ).
And I adore writing our weekly game recaps on social media, or replicating a crazy reel on the ice, my teammates genuinely look forward to it, (Kalah I know you love the reels and my recaps!) it’s become a fun, uplifting tradition for all of us!
Why do you think it's important for women to play sports in adulthood?
Because it’s empowering. The friendships, the support system, the shared highs and lows—it creates a sisterhood that’s unlike anything else. We laugh, we fall, we celebrate, we grow. It’s not just about playing a sport; it’s about carving out a space where women uplift each other, take risks, and try something new—especially if they’ve never played before. The biggest mistake is letting fear hold you back. Yes, it’s hard at first. You’ll be sore, you’ll fall, you’ll struggle. But you’ll also rise. The intensity, the physical challenge, the adrenaline—it all surpasses any gym workout. And the reward is beyond worth it.
What would you say is the biggest benefit sport gives you?
It makes me feel alive. It brings back that youthful energy and reminds me that my body is still capable of powerful things. Wearing over 30 pounds of gear, skating hard, stickhandling, checking, scoring—it’s a rush like no other. As a middle-aged woman, just being able to keep up and compete in a rec league is deeply rewarding. It’s not just a sport—it’s a reclaiming of strength, joy, and passion. My friend Mel on our team really embodies this and is someone who inspires me to keep pushing to play! She has been playing for 45 years and played for Cornell Women's hockey back in the 80s!
What's the best advice you have for other women who want to play sports?
Start now. Don’t worry if you’ve never skated or touched a stick or ball—every single athlete started as a beginner. You might stumble at first, or you might surprise yourself with a breakout moment. The key is just showing up. Stay consistent. Be humble. Stay curious and always be open to learning. We’re all cheering for you, every step of the way. You’ve got this—and we’ve got your back!