For most students, excelling in the classroom or on the ice would be enough of an accomplishment. For graduating senior Jake Barcelou, success meant doing both at the highest level. 

A Business Management major from Hyde Park, Massachusetts, Jake will graduate as the College Marshal for Framingham State University’s College of Business - an honor awarded to the student with the highest academic achievement in the college. At the same time, he spent four years competing as a defenseman for the Rams men’s hockey team, balancing the demands of Division III athletics with the rigor of a top-performing academic schedule. 

Jake credits much of that success to discipline and time management.

“You have to use your time wisely,” he said. “When it’s time for class, focus on class. When it’s time for homework and studying, give it your all.” 

His path to Framingham State began after playing junior hockey for the Worcester Railers organization, when he connected with Rams Head Coach Mike Bailey during the recruiting process. Jake said the combination of the coaching staff and campus community made Framingham State feel like the right fit from the start. 

Now, his hockey journey is taking him overseas. Jake recently signed a contract to play professional hockey in Dijon, France, in the French Division II league beginning this fall. Though he has never traveled to Europe before, he sees the opportunity as more than just hockey.

“It’s going to be a great life experience,” he said. “I’ll be going over there not knowing anyone, and I think that’s a good opportunity to grow as a person while continuing to play a sport I love.” 

Long term, Jake hopes to build a career on the business side of professional sports - combining the same passion and determination that defined his time at Framingham State.