USA Women’s Hockey — What it means to me

The Idea

This piece was inspired by the 2026 Winter Olympics, when the USA Women’s Hockey team won gold in overtime against Canada. I wanted to create something that captured that moment—the pride, the energy, the emotion—but this painting goes deeper than that

Where it Started

Hockey has always been a big part of my life. Both of my brothers played, and most of my childhood was spent in cold ice rinks watching their games.

Even though my sister and I didn’t play hockey, we loved watching hockey—especially the USA Women’s Hockey team during the Olympics. Growing up, I always respected the girls who played hockey because I knew how tough it was to be a female athlete in such a male-dominated sport. There weren’t many girls leagues back then because there simply weren’t that many girls playing. I remember there usually being only one or two girls on my brothers’ teams growing up.

I admired the girls who broke those barriers in hockey.

2014 Winter Olympics

In 2014, I was a sophomore in high school during the Winter Olympics. We found out that Kendall Coyne—a Chicago native—was on the USA Women’s Hockey team, and she had even played at the same rink my brothers grew up playing at. That made it feel personal.

My sister and I watched every game we could.

During the gold medal game, my mom actually let us stay home from school to watch. USA lost to Canada in overtime, and we were heartbroken—but at the same time, we were inspired. Watching Kendall Coyne, someone from Chicago, competing on that stage meant everything to us.

Watching female athletes compete at that level was incredible to see.

A moment I’ll never Forget

A few weeks later, my mom surprised us. Kendall Coyne’s dad worked in the same office as my mom, and they were hosting a celebration for her after the Olympics.

My mom told my sister and me to come to the office—and Kendall was there with her silver medal.

We were so excited. She was incredibly kind and let us hold her silver medal.

I was just a 16-year-old girl in my school uniform, standing there in awe of someone who represented so much to us.

12 Years Later

The USA Women’s Hockey team is back in the gold medal game—and Kendall Coyne is still on the team. Now alongside another Chicago native, Abbey Murphy.

Watching this team play felt electric. They had momentum, confidence, competitiveness, and team spirit. Every game felt intense, but the gold medal game against Canada was especially nerve-wracking.

When Megan Keller scored the game-winning goal in overtime to win gold, I was so happy.

The Painting

This painting captures moments from that run:

• Megan Keller after scoring the game-winning goal

• Kendall Coyne and Hilary Knight holding the American flag with their gold medals

• Abbey Murphy in action during the Olympics

• Aerin Frankel making key saves in goal

Something I Didn’t Expect

When I posted this painting on Instagram, something unexpected happened.

Every athlete I painted engaged with the post. They liked it, commented on it, and shared their support.

Abbey Murphy commented, “this is so sick,” and Aerin Frankel commented, “this is so awesome.”

The post reached over 19,000 views.

What This Painting Means to Me

This painting means a lot to me—not just because of the gold medal win, but because of everything it represents.

Watching athletes like Kendall Coyne break barriers in hockey inspired so many young girls, including me.

Being able to paint this team years later—and have the players themselves see and support my work—felt like a full circle moment.

This piece represents pride, perseverance, and the impact women’s sports can have on the next generation.