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Comeback Kid

Amanda Kessel (FACES, Jan. 28, 2013), a senior forward at Minnesota, led the Gophers to a 41--0 record and a repeat NCAA title in 2012--13 while scoring the most points in the country (101) and earning the Patty Kazmaier Award as the nation's top player. But the Madison, Wis., native's career was halted after returning from the 2014 Olympics, when she began experiencing headaches and nausea from a concussion sustained in training for Sochi. She took last season off and was finally cleared to play in February. On March 20, Kessel sealed her return with a third-period goal in a 3--1 win over BC for the national title. "Bad things happen, and how you respond and battle back from them is really what makes you a champion," coach Brad Frost said of her return.

PHOTO

ERIC MILLER/GOPHER ATHLETICS (KESSEL)