FIU Alumnus Helps Team USA Men's Hockey Capture Gold

Kevin Morley DAT '21 served as athletic trainer during the U.S. team's historic Olympic triumph.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Kevin Morley, a 2021 graduate of FIU's Doctor of Athletic Training program, was part of the athletic training staff for the U.S. Men's Hockey team that won the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. Morley, who is the head athletic trainer for the NHL's Nashville Predators, witnessed the Americans' dramatic overtime victory against Canada and played a key role in providing medical support to the players throughout the tournament.

Why it matters

Morley's involvement in the U.S. team's gold medal run highlights the global impact of FIU's athletic training program and the preparation it provides students to work at the highest levels of professional and international sports. His experience also showcases the adaptability and problem-solving skills required of athletic trainers, especially when navigating the complexities of major events like the Olympics.

The details

As an athletic trainer for Team USA, Morley was rinkside for the gold medal game, witnessing key moments like Matt Boldy's opening goal and Jack Hughes' game-winning overtime tally. Morley had to balance his Olympics duties with his regular job as head athletic trainer for the Nashville Predators, relying on his FIU education to manage the logistical challenges. This included sending supplies to Europe ahead of time and developing a 'prepare for everything' mindset that he learned during his time in the Doctor of Athletic Training program.

  • Morley earned his Doctor of Athletic Training (DAT) degree from FIU in 2021.
  • The year before the 2026 Olympics, Morley worked as part of the athletic training staff at the NHL's 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.
  • Morley and the U.S. team arrived in Milan-Cortina with a 'prepare for everything' mindset ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
  • The gold medal game between the U.S. and Canada took place in March 2026.

The players

Kevin Morley

A 2021 graduate of FIU's Doctor of Athletic Training program who served as an athletic trainer for the U.S. Men's Hockey team at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Matt Boldy

A U.S. Men's Hockey team player who scored the opening goal in the gold medal game against Canada.

Jack Hughes

A U.S. Men's Hockey team player who lost some teeth after a high stick but later scored the game-winning goal in overtime to secure the gold medal for Team USA.

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What they’re saying

“I'm generally not at a loss for words, but that was one time when I was nearly at a loss for words.”

— Kevin Morley, Athletic Trainer, U.S. Men's Hockey Team

“This isn't just another hockey game.”

— Kevin Morley, Athletic Trainer, U.S. Men's Hockey Team

What’s next

Morley plans to continue his work with the Nashville Predators while also exploring opportunities to support other national teams and major sporting events in the future.

The takeaway

Morley's experience at the 2026 Winter Olympics showcases the global impact of FIU's athletic training program and the valuable skills its graduates can bring to the highest levels of professional and international sports.