Wisconsin's Caroline Harvey wins 2026 Patty Kazmaier Award

The Olympic gold medalist and top-scoring defender in women's college hockey is named the NCAA's top player.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 4:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Caroline Harvey, a senior defender for the University of Wisconsin Badgers, has been named the winner of the 2026 Patty Kazmaier Award, given to the top women's college hockey player in the NCAA. Harvey, who won Olympic gold with Team USA last month, led all defenders in the NCAA this season with 63 points in 32 games, the second-highest single-season total by a blueliner in women's college hockey history.

Why it matters

Harvey's award cements her status as one of the most dominant players in women's hockey, and her offensive prowess from the blue line is expected to make her a top pick in the upcoming Professional Women's Hockey League draft. The Badgers are also headed to their fourth straight national championship game, with Harvey playing a key role in their success.

The details

Harvey was named WCHA Player and Defender of the Year this season, leading all defenders in the NCAA with 63 points, including 1.41 assists per game. She is just the third defender to win the Patty Kazmaier Award, following Angela Ruggiero and Sophie Jaques. Harvey's 1.97 points-per-game is second in the nation, behind only Minnesota's Abbey Murphy. The Badgers have the best offense in the NCAA this season, scoring 210 goals, and Harvey has been a major driver of their success as the team's No. 1 defender.

  • Caroline Harvey was named the winner of the 2026 Patty Kazmaier Award on March 21, 2026.
  • Harvey won Olympic gold with Team USA last month.

The players

Caroline Harvey

A senior defender for the University of Wisconsin Badgers and the winner of the 2026 Patty Kazmaier Award, given to the top women's college hockey player in the NCAA.

Angela Ruggiero

A Hockey Hall of Fame legend who holds the record for most points in a single season by a defender in women's college hockey, with 83 points in 34 games for Harvard in 2002-03.

Sophie Jaques

The second defender to win the Patty Kazmaier Award, playing for Ohio State.

Casey O'Brien

The 2025 PWHL third-overall pick and the winner of the 2025 Patty Kazmaier Award, beating out Caroline Harvey.

Abbey Murphy

A forward for the University of Minnesota who led the NCAA in points-per-game this season with 2.13.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I haven't seen a player with Caroline's speed at the blue line. Then her ability to add the offensive side too is really unique. It's hard to compare her to anyone else in the past.”

— Dan Koch, Longtime Wisconsin associate coach

“Caroline has the potential to revolutionize the game.”

— Angela Ruggiero

What’s next

The No. 2 ranked Wisconsin Badgers are heading to the national championship game against Ohio State, where Harvey will play a starring role in her final collegiate hockey game.

The takeaway

Harvey's Patty Kazmaier Award win cements her status as one of the most dominant players in women's hockey, and her offensive prowess from the blue line is expected to make her a top pick in the upcoming Professional Women's Hockey League draft.