US Olympian Julie Chu

Team USA’s Julie Chu is the first Asian American woman to play for the U.S. Olympic ice hockey team.

Chu has competed and medaled in the past three Olympics. She earned a silver medal in the 2002 Salt Lake Games, a bronze in Torino in 2006 and another silver in the 2010 Vancouver games. Next week, Chu, alongside her talented teammates, Julie will be fighting for gold.

It hasn’t happened since the 1998 Nagano, Japan Games. Since then, Team USA has medaled in every Olympics, but the gold has consistently gone to its archrival, Canada, in every face-off.

Chu, 31, who plays forward, was a top scorer in high school at Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford. She graduated from Harvard University in 2007 and was a three-time All American there.

Julie graciously dialed in for a quick phone interview before she headed off to Sochi! Thank you!

ASIANCE: What’s your experience been like as an Asian woman playing hockey?

Julie: I’ve been really fortunate in the environment I grew up in and I just really wanted to be treated as a hockey player. When I was younger the boys I played with and the parents were so supportive. I never felt isolated as a girl or even as an Asian American girl playing ice hockey, which was even more of a weird thing that was happening at that time. After my first Olympics in 2002, I had a chance to work Cammi Granato’s hockey school. She was one of our captains of the National team for a very long time, a real pioneer.. There happened to be an Asian girl at the camp. Her mom came up to me later on in the week and said one of the best things was that my daughter said, “Someone else looks like me!”

That was the first time I realized that not only was my team breaking down barriers of girls playing hockey, but then I was breaking down walls for Asian American girls and boys who can play the sport of hockey as well!

ASIANCE: Did anyone, especially relatives, ever discourage you from playing a sport Asian girls typically don’t play?

Julie: To be honest, I was fortunate that that wasn’t the case. I really think that was more due to my parents who were so open minded and allowed me to play hockey. They allowed all of us (brother and sister) to play a sport that we were interested in pursuing. My parents were always about opening doors. I think many times, especially in older families, parents can be restrictive. So being able to have that approach like, “If my child wants to try this, even though a lot of our relatives never pursued this avenue, let’s see what he/she want to do” is great.

ASIANCE: Like your grandmother who didn’t want you in the sport at first but then became your biggest fan?

Julie: Yes! I didn’t realize that as much because when you’re young, you are clueless about these things. We were sheltered from some of those conversations my parents had with my grandma about not wanting me to play in a sport with boys. I remember her going and supporting us, all three of us. When I started going to Nationals, she started cheering us on.

ASIANCE: I asked your mom, “What is one thing about Julie that we would be surprised to know?” She said that you like desserts.

Julie: Haha I do like desserts!

ASIANCE: What would you say?

Julie: How much I love to cook too! Just being an athlete and living on my own for some time, it’s just something that I’ve picked up and enjoyed doing. It doesn’t mean that I’m a fancy chef but I definitely enjoy doing it for my teammates, friends and family.

ASIANCE: What’s your favorite cuisine?

Julie: I love everything! For me, I enjoy living in areas where I have many different types of foods. So I love sushi, Vietnamese, Indian. I love Italian. I think Italian is my favorite because there is such a large variety.

ASIANCE: Did you start out playing a more defensive role?

Julie: Yes. When I first started playing hockey, I was a defenseman on the team. So from 8 to 12 years old, I played defense primarily. Then, I started to switch over to forward some time in that range from 12 on. I also switched to Girls Hockey, where I played forward. I think it’s important to play all positions, except goalie! haha. You’ll be a more well-rounded player.

ASIANCE: So you would never want to play goalie?

Julie: Just in practice (laughs). I never had the urge to be a goalie full time.

ASIANCE: What’s the reason?

Julie: I just like to skate out and really love the game. At the same time, I’m not afraid of blocking shots. I think for us (forwards), we might not be goalies but we talk a lot in the defensive zone. If we’re on a penalty kill, the forwards still need to be able to block a puck and try to prevent it from getting in the goal, if we can.

ASIANCE: Name a male and female hockey player that you really enjoy watching.

Julie: Growing up I really like Brian Leetch. He played for the New York Rangers and he’s now retired. He was one of my favorite players. And Cammi Granato. She was a great offensive player, leader and had such a great presence on the ice. She contributed to the success of our team as it was growing in the early years.

ASIANCE: What do you appreciate about your mom’s support for you now that you maybe didn’t appreciate as much when you made your first Olympic team?

Julie: I think what’s so huge is the world revolves around you as an athlete. As I came along, I realized the role my entire family played. My mom has been a huge part of that. She has always shown me unconditional love. It’s one of those things when you would come out of game, she would never say “Oh you could have done this better.” or “You should have done that”. It was, “I’m so glad to support you.” and “I’m so glad to be here”. That really goes a long way day in and day out, considering the roller coaster ride we live day in and day out.

ASIANCE: For the little Asian girl who wants to do something that doesn’t fit the traditional mold for Asian girls – what would you say to her?

Julie: Try anything you’re interested in. It’s that simple. Just give it a try! It’s amazing when we do. It doesn’t only have to be athletics. It’s anything you love and enjoy being a part of. Just give it a try. Don’t be afraid if you don’t like it. Or maybe you find out you’re terrible at it but love it!? I think that’s the important thing! Don’t be afraid to try new things!

ASIANCE: Did you or do you follow any Asian American athletes?

Julie: Kristi Yamaguchi. Just growing up, she became the face of Figure Skating. JR Celski. He’s done such an amazing job. I’ve met him a few times We’re rooting for him. The brother and sister dance crew, Alex & Maia Shibutani. There are a lot of Asian Americans in other sports and I’m definitely rooting for them. We’re all a part of this great melting pot that is the great USA!

ASIANCE: And you’re going to get the Gold back this year?

Julie: Yes! That’s going to be the case!

This interview was contributed by writer Eugene Hung. You can visit his asiance page and his twitter @iaurmelloneug.