Inside Team USA: Meet the Stars Headed to the 2026 Women’s Hockey Olympics

Nine members of Team USA’s women’s ice hockey team sit down for an in-depth conversation as they prepare for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, sharing what drives them during an Olympic year and what it means to represent the USA on hockey’s biggest stage.

Hilary Knight reflects on leadership, longevity, and mentoring the next generation as one of the most experienced players in program history. She discusses the emotional weight of the Olympic stage and the intensity of the USA–Canada rivalry, which she calls the greatest rivalry in sports.

Kendall Coyne Schofield talks about how Olympic years carry a different level of pressure and purpose, especially after falling short of gold in 2022. She shares how the growth of the PWHL has reshaped preparation and why enjoying the moment matters just as much as performance.

Grace Zumwinkle discusses navigating Olympic preparation without a centralized residency, balancing pro hockey with national team camps. She reflects on the disappointment of Beijing and the urgency that now fuels this group heading toward Milan.

Alex Carpenter opens up about leadership, legacy, and how wearing the Team USA jersey never loses its meaning. She reflects on lessons learned from past Olympic cycles and the emotional fire that defines games against Canada.

Kelly Pannek shares how Olympic years amplify competition and stress, even among teammates. She talks about building chemistry, supporting younger players, and using past losses as motivation rather than weight.

Lee Stecklein offers perspective shaped by both Olympic success and heartbreak. She explains how losing can linger longer than winning and why those lessons shape her mindset heading into another Olympic run.

Gwyneth Philips talks about her journey to becoming a goaltender, the quirks of her left-handed style, and the importance of leaning on fellow goalies. Competing close to home adds another emotional layer as she chases her first Olympics.

Joy Dunne reflects on entering Olympic camps as a younger player, learning from veterans while building confidence. She shares how her competitive upbringing prepared her for the intensity of international hockey.

Laila Edwards discusses her Cleveland roots, early skating background, and the path that led her to elite hockey. She reflects on chasing a childhood Olympic dream and the pride that comes with representing Team USA.

Together, these interviews capture Team USA women’s hockey on the road to Milan—highlighting leadership, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of Olympic gold.

00:00 – Introduction
00:11 – Hilary Knight
3:31 – Kendall Coyne Schofield
7:24 – Grace Zumwinkle
10:38 – Alex Carpenter
13:11 – Kelly Pannek
18:00 – Lee Stecklein
21:05 – Gwyneth Philips
24:37 – Joy Dunne
28:10 – Laila Edwards

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Inside Team USA: Meet the Stars Headed to the 2026 Women’s Hockey Olympics

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