Breaking Barriers: Black Women Are Thriving in NCAA Hockey Like Never Before

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In recent years, the representation of Black women in NCAA hockey has reached unprecedented levels, marking a significant shift in the sport’s typical demographics. Read more about how Black women are redefining the sport inside.

According to a 2021 report by NHL.com, there were at least 13 Black female players across Division I and III women’s hockey teams, a notable increase from four in 2019 and nine in 2015.

This upward trend is evident to those closely involved in the sport. Kelsey Koelzer, the first Black woman to be selected as the No. 1 pick in the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) draft and current head coach at Arcadia University, expressed her optimism.

“As I’m recruiting, I feel I’m constantly shocked that it’s getting less and less out of the ordinary to see girls that are getting recruited to NCAA [Division I] who are [Black],” Koelzer shared. “I think it’s a really hopeful sign.”

Despite this progress, Black female hockey players often find themselves as the sole representatives of their race on their teams. Avery Mitchell, a defenseman at Clarkson University, highlighted the challenges stemming from longstanding stereotypes.

“I definitely think it’s just the matter of it not being encouraged enough,” Mitchell expressed. “And it’s a sort of stereotype that hockey is more a sport for White people, which is not true.”

Representation plays a crucial role in challenging these misconceptions and inspiring the next generation. Tamara Thierus, a forward at the University of New Hampshire, emphasized the importance of visibility in the sport.

“The numbers are fun to see because younger girls out there,” Thierus shared. “They’re trying to find their role models but sometimes people have a hard time seeing themselves in others. I know as a young girl I would have loved to see someone like me play at a high level.”

Trailblazers like Sarah Nurse have significantly contributed to increasing visibility. Nurse won a silver medal with Canada’s women’s hockey team at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics and had an impressive collegiate career at the University of Wisconsin, amassing 137 points over 150 games.

Her achievements have inspired players like Chayla Edwards, a defenseman for the University of Wisconsin, who noted: “That [low Black student population] kind of made me hesitant, but then I saw, OK, Sarah Nurse is there, she’s playing, she’s amazing, playing really well. I can go to that campus, be OK, still play hockey and do what I came to do.”

Beyond the rink, efforts to promote diversity and inclusion are gaining momentum. In 2020, a Barbie doll modeled after Sarah Nurse was created, providing young Black girls with a tangible role model in the sport.

Mitchell reflected on the impact of such representation, saying, “You can really change a young girl’s life with that if she thought about not playing hockey because of the stereotypes she hears.”

The increasing presence of Black women in NCAA hockey signifies a positive shift towards inclusivity. As more Black female athletes excel and visibility grows, the sport becomes more accessible and inviting to future generations, challenging stereotypes and fostering a more diverse hockey community.

What a way to celebrate this generation of pioneering athletes this Black History Month!