Abbey Murphy Aims for National Title After Olympic Gold

The Gopher women's hockey star returns to Minnesota with a gold medal but still has one goal left to accomplish.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 2:52am

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Abbey Murphy, the star forward for the University of Minnesota women's hockey team, is fresh off helping Team USA win Olympic gold in Milan. She's broken the program's goal-scoring record, earned a spot as a Patty Kazmaier Award top three finalist, and appeared as a panelist on national TV. But despite all her individual accolades, the one thing missing from Murphy's resume is a national championship. Now back with the Gophers, Murphy and her teammates are focused on making a deep run in the NCAA tournament and bringing home the title in her final college season.

Why it matters

Murphy's success has put the Gopher women's hockey program in the national spotlight. As one of the best players in the country, her pursuit of a national title has become a major storyline in college hockey. A championship would cement Murphy's legacy as one of the all-time greats and provide a storybook ending to her decorated career.

The details

After winning Olympic gold, Murphy has rejoined the Gopher women's hockey team in time for the NCAA playoffs. She's broken the program's goal-scoring record and earned a spot as a Patty Kazmaier Award top three finalist, cementing her status as one of the best players in the world. However, the one accomplishment missing from her resume is a national championship. The Gophers are now focused on making a deep run in the NCAA tournament, with Murphy leading the way.

  • Murphy helped Team USA win Olympic gold in Milan in February 2026.
  • Murphy broke the Gopher women's hockey program's goal-scoring record earlier this season.
  • The Gophers are set to face No. 5 Northeastern University in the NCAA quarterfinals this Saturday.

The players

Abbey Murphy

A graduate forward for the University of Minnesota women's hockey team who recently won Olympic gold with Team USA and is a top Patty Kazmaier Award finalist.

Brad Frost

The head coach of the University of Minnesota women's hockey team.

Bella Fanale

A freshman center for the University of Minnesota women's hockey team and Abbey Murphy's linemate.

Hilary Knight

A veteran member of the U.S. women's national hockey team and one of the most decorated players in U.S. hockey history.

Kendall Coyne-Schofield

A veteran member of the U.S. women's national hockey team and one of the most decorated players in U.S. hockey history.

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What they’re saying

“I thought it was going to be an interview and then she's on the panel all day. She's earned that.”

— Brad Frost, Head Coach, University of Minnesota Women's Hockey (mndaily.com)

“She's the best to do it. In my mind, she's the best college hockey player. She just works so hard everyday, and I just look up to her so much.”

— Bella Fanale, Freshman Center, University of Minnesota Women's Hockey (mndaily.com)

“When she left, she's my linemate, so it was different. I'm really excited to play with her again.”

— Bella Fanale, Freshman Center, University of Minnesota Women's Hockey (mndaily.com)

“As a leader here on a different team, I put those things into perspective and see what I can do for myself to help my teammates.”

— Abbey Murphy (mndaily.com)

“I think our best thing is just to come out fast as s---. Just terrorize them, make them struggle.”

— Abbey Murphy (mndaily.com)

What’s next

The Gophers will face No. 5 Northeastern University in the NCAA quarterfinals this Saturday. If they win, they will advance to the Frozen Four.

The takeaway

Abbey Murphy's pursuit of a national championship with the University of Minnesota women's hockey team has become a major storyline in college hockey. After winning Olympic gold, Murphy is determined to cap her decorated career by leading the Gophers to their first national title since 2016. Her leadership and talent have inspired her teammates, but the pressure and attention she faces as one of the best players in the country presents a unique challenge that the team must overcome together.