What NC State grad, astronaut Christina Koch said about the Carolina Hurricanes
Artemis II astronaut Christina Koch was a student at N.C. State when the Carolina Hurricanes moved to Raleigh in 1999. She attended her first NHL games at the now-Lenovo Center.
Talk about whiplash when she attended Game 4 of the Canes-Philadelphia Flyers postseason series last weekend, at the franchise’s invitation, dressed in Flyers gear. It was a somewhat last-minute trip, she told The News & Observer on Monday. Koch did an interview in California for the Oprah Winfrey podcast and flew to Philadelphia for the matchup before returning to Houston.
It was one of the few non-work opportunities she had between media responsibilities, speaking engagements and typical post-mission debriefs at Johnson Space Center.
“I feel like I have a connection to that team,” Koch said of the Flyers. “But it definitely was a struggle being at that Canes game, because, obviously, I’m from North Carolina, I did spend my time in Raleigh, and I’ve seen the Canes in person.”
Koch’s connection doesn’t mean she’s necessarily switching her support, though. In fact, she might be the most neutral sports fan out there, despite the light trash talking.
The 47-year-old admires the teamwork, athletic excellence and the need for players to “bring their best.” Koch said she can see that when watching any game. Plus, she loves a good David-and-Goliath-type story.
“The Canes just aren’t the underdog right now,” Koch said. “They are sweeping everywhere they go, so the underdog lover in me is really struggling with what to do.”
The astronaut converted into a Philadelphia fan largely when she worked on the International Space Station several years ago. NASA uplinked Eagles games on the weekend or one small device had limited internet access. She watched NFL Ticket or looked for highlights as time allowed.
Watching games connected with her husband, a longtime Eagles and Flyers supporter. She didn’t get to watch anything during the most-recent mission, due to the distance and more operational nature of the trip.
Koch went on to explain she believes people select teams based on what matters to them, and what they take pride in. That can be a love for family history, where someone is from, or any other trait they value.
“I just try to be true to that,” Koch said. “And, everyone knows I love North Carolina. Obviously, it formed who I am. All my family’s there. It’s home.”
What does her family think of her Flyers fandom?
The Flyers lost the game she attended, eliminating them from playoff contention. That became a rivalry among her family, with siblings, nieces and nephews taking sides and engaging in banter. It’s a split situation, she said.
Koch even sent Canes and Flyers jerseys to her relatives. Some embraced Gritty and others remained true to Stormy. She’ll have to see how things go this weekend, when the Canes begin the Eastern Conference Finals.
“It is true that my family will be paying attention to the Canes,” Koch said. “I have no doubt that we’ll be keeping up with how it’s going.”
Koch makes first trip back to NC
The first trip Koch booked when the Artemis II crew made it safely back from space was to North Carolina. She’s finally making the trek this weekend, and it’ll be the first time she sees her parents, siblings and their children in person since the mission’s completion.
She’s excited. The crew has interacted with a lot of families and children since its return, but hers is last to get checked off the list.
“It has felt really hard to have spent so much time [away],” Koch said. “I’ve obviously talked to them and video chatted with them, but I cannot wait to hug them. That’ll be my final completion of coming back to Earth.”
Will Christina Koch attend NC State games?
The Wolfpack alumna would love to attend a football or basketball game, she said, if the university extends an invitation. (The Flyers invited her.)
“I’m waiting. I am ready. I love N.C. State, so bring it on,” Koch said. “I have been contacted by N.C. State. They’ve been very gracious, and I really just can’t wait to see the best way that I can maybe be involved in inspiring students and showing all the great things that you can do with STEM education all throughout North Carolina.”
N.C. State football hosts an “Alpha Wolf” — from famous alumni to popular people on campus — before every home game to rile up Carter-Finley Stadium. Former players, of any sport, and high-profile figures have sat courtside at men’s and women’s basketball games.
Who better than the Wolfpack’s lone astronaut? It’s time someone gets Athletic Director Boo Corrigan on the phone.
