Team Italy's Kayla Tutino Draws Massive Family Support for Olympic Ice Hockey Debut

Fifty members of Tutino's family, known as 'Team Tutino,' travel to Milan to cheer on the Boston University alum.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Team USA is set to face Italy in the knockout rounds of women's Olympic ice hockey, with Italian forward Kayla Tutino drawing significant attention due to her ties to Boston University and her large family following. Fifty members of Tutino's family, known as Team Tutino, are in Milan to cheer her on as she makes her Olympic debut.

Why it matters

Tutino's story highlights the passion and dedication of family support at the Olympic Games, as well as the international reach of college hockey programs like Boston University. Her family's presence is a testament to the sacrifices and commitment required to reach the pinnacle of international competition.

The details

Kayla Tutino, who grew up in Canada before attending Boston University, has her entire family, including 50 members, in Milan to support her Olympic debut for Team Italy. Her mother, Diana Tutino, expressed pride in Kayla's lifelong dream of playing in the Olympics, while her sister Briana shared the family's excitement about the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

  • Team USA is set to face Italy in the knockout rounds of women's Olympic ice hockey.

The players

Kayla Tutino

An Italian forward on the women's Olympic ice hockey team, who previously played for Boston University.

Diana Tutino

Kayla Tutino's mother, who expressed pride in her daughter's Olympic debut.

Briana Tutino

Kayla Tutino's sister, who shared the family's excitement about the Olympic experience.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's been a life dream of hers to play at the Olympics, and here we are.”

— Diana Tutino, Kayla Tutino's mother

“We're all just super happy to be here. Kayla made this possible for everybody. Never in my life did I think we'd be going to the Olympics, let alone seeing my sister play in it. It's the opportunity of a lifetime.”

— Briana Tutino, Kayla Tutino's sister

What’s next

Team USA and Team Italy will face off in the knockout rounds of the women's Olympic ice hockey tournament.

The takeaway

Kayla Tutino's story exemplifies the power of family support and the international reach of college hockey programs like Boston University. Her Olympic debut is a testament to the sacrifices and dedication required to reach the pinnacle of international competition.