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Olympic-Bound Hockey Player Draws Strength From Catholic Faith
Britta Curl-Salemme credits devotion to St. Thérèse for guiding her journey to the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Games
Jan. 29, 2026 at 10:55am
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Britta Curl-Salemme, a Catholic hockey player from Bismarck, North Dakota, will be competing on the U.S. Women's Hockey Team at the upcoming Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Curl-Salemme credits her strong Catholic faith, particularly her devotion to St. Thérèse of Lisieux, for providing her strength and perspective throughout her journey to the Olympics, including overcoming setbacks like initially being cut from the 2022 Beijing Olympics team.
Why it matters
Curl-Salemme's story highlights how faith can be a source of inspiration and resilience for athletes, especially female Catholic athletes who may face unique challenges. Her openness about her faith has also allowed her to connect with and be a positive example for her teammates.
The details
Curl-Salemme, who grew up skating and playing hockey from a young age, has had a lifelong dream of competing in the Olympics. She credits her Catholic upbringing and the support of her faith communities, including the St. Paul's Catholic Student Center during college, for keeping her grounded. Curl-Salemme has a special devotion to St. Thérèse of Lisieux, whose teachings 'reignited' her faith in college and helped provide perspective during setbacks in her Olympic journey.
- Curl-Salemme started dreaming of going to the Olympics when she was around 10 years old.
- She was initially selected for the 2022 Beijing Olympics team but was cut towards the end of the selection process, before getting a second chance that was ultimately derailed by a positive COVID-19 test.
- The Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will take place from February 6-22, 2026.
The players
Britta Curl-Salemme
A Catholic hockey player from Bismarck, North Dakota who will be competing on the U.S. Women's Hockey Team at the upcoming Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux
A Catholic saint whose teachings and spirituality 'reignited' Curl-Salemme's faith in college and provided her with perspective during setbacks in her Olympic journey.
What they’re saying
“I think my life would be pretty chaotic and stressful if I didn't have something steady and consistent that I can go back to that I drew strength from, and that's my Catholic faith.”
— Britta Curl-Salemme, U.S. Olympic Hockey Player
“Being able to relate the things that I'm learning and the things I'm going through with my faith, that's just been super important for me just to keep perspective and it's a certain detachment from my sport. It's been everything for me.”
— Britta Curl-Salemme, U.S. Olympic Hockey Player
What’s next
Curl-Salemme's family is planning a trip to Rome to see Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The takeaway
Curl-Salemme's story demonstrates how faith can be a source of strength, perspective, and community for athletes, especially female Catholic athletes. Her openness about her faith has allowed her to connect with and inspire her teammates, showing the positive impact that living one's faith boldly can have.
