Moon Township, Pa. – Going from college hockey, to playing pro, to now medical school,
Emilie Harley's career is unique and a great example for student-athletes.
Graduating from RMU back in 2021, Harley was a key player for the Colonials during her four-year collegiate career. She played in 130 total games, scoring 10 goals and recording 51 points, playing forward in her freshman season, and then transitioned to defense on the left side.
After helping RMU beat Syracuse, 1-0 to win the College Hockey America Championship, Harley had plans to go to medical school. In undergrad, she majored in Biology, with a Pre-Med concentration and minor in Chemistry. "
Emilie Harley is the true definition of student athlete," said head coach
Logan Bittle. "Her ability to balance a rigorous academic slate and being a division 1 athlete was remarkable."
But, quickly after the season ended, she received a call from the General Manager of the Buffalo Beauts organization, with an offer she couldn't turn down.
"I decided it was a once in a lifetime opportunity," said
Emilie Harley. "I got the chance to play professional hockey and live a dream life. I pushed myself competitively and I got to experience a different path in life."
Getting the chance to play professional hockey is a dream come true for many college athletes, and Harley was given the opportunity to do so.
Putting her long-term plans aside, she went on to the big leagues and played two years professionally in the Professional Hockey Federation. In her first season with the Buffalo Beauts, she recorded 10 points in 20 games and helped them reach the playoffs. The following season, she played for the Metropolitan Riveters in 2022-23, posting nine points in 24 games.
Two seasons later after an excellent pro career, Harley decided it was time to take on her true calling.
"I love hockey and all the opportunities that it's given me, but my true calling is to help people and go into healthcare," stated Harley.
Harley comes from a family dedicated to helping others, as her father is an orthopedic surgeon and her mom is a pharmacist. Her grandparents worked in the field as well.
Now, onto the next chapter in her life, she's been accepted into the University of Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and will graduate with the class of 2027. After the four-year program is complete, she'll have earned an MD. Growing up in Syracuse, N.Y., the University of Buffalo is about two hours near her hometown.
"Emilie expressed her goal of attending Med school from the first recruiting conversation we had with her," said Bittle. "To see her achieve that goal after enjoying a professional hockey career, shows the drive and determination she has."
Harley appreciates her time at RMU and playing in the PHF, as it helped her become well-rounded to take on medical school and pursue her passion.
"Being a student-athlete helped me handle multiple responsibilities," said Harley. "It helped me become a better leader which was important for professional hockey, but it will also be vital for med school. It taught me some of the intangibles like discipline and communication."
"I know she will continue to do great things well into the future," stated Bittle. "We are so proud of Emilie!"
To college hockey at Robert Morris, to professional hockey in the PHF, and now to med school,
Emilie Harley proves that with dedication, student-athletes can live their passion.
Follow The Colonials: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | RMU Athletics Gameday App
