Penn State’s Kiara Zanon Wins National Rookie of the Year

Story posted March 17, 2021 in CommRadio, Sports by Kyle Cannillo

Penn State freshman superstar Kiara Zanon has added to her trophy case. After a sensational first year in college, Zanon was named the 2020-21 NCAA Rookie of the Year.

Zanon's team-leading 30 points propelled the Nittany Lions to new heights this season. Penn State enjoyed quite the breakout season, winning the CHA regular season title and reaching a national rank as high as No. 7.

Not only did Zanon end up winning the National Rookie of the Year, but she is also in the running to win the prestigious Patty Kazmaier Award for the college hockey’s most outstanding player. She is the only underclassman on the top-10 list of finalists.

Zanon’s signature moment might have come on Feb. 10 vs RIT. In that game, Zanon put up a program-record six-point game, tallying a goal and five assists.

Zanon won CHA rookie of the month on three occasions and CHA rookie of the week on four.

It is hard to describe how good Zanon truly is. With her elusive speed and elite hockey IQ, you have to see it to believe it.

The sky’s the limit for her in year two and beyond.

 

Kyle Cannillo is a journalism major at Penn State. To contact him email kcannillo1@gmail.com.

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cha , kiara zanon , penn state hockey , women's hockey

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Kyle Cannillo

Junior / Journalism

Kyle Cannillo is involved with CommRadio at Penn State University, producing content such as writing articles, hosting podcasts, participating in live shows and broadcasting play-by-play for Penn State athletics. He is currently a production assistant for Penn State Athletics, doing live video production for BTN + and University Streams. He previously interned with CBS station WTAJ, where he received hands on-experience in all newsroom operations, including reporting, production, camerawork and sports. He has high hopes to be successful in a communication-related career. He is skilled in public speaking, takes initiative, and has a tenacious work ethic. His mission is to use optimism, determination and respect to uncover and report fascinating stories from people who have genuine experiences.