Wisconsin Powerhouse Produces Olympic-Bound Hockey Stars

Caroline Harvey juggles college hockey and Team USA ahead of Milan Cortina Olympics

Feb. 4, 2026 at 1:31am

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Caroline Harvey's story highlights a growing trend of student-athletes balancing the demands of NCAA sports and international competition. The University of Wisconsin-Madison has emerged as a pipeline for Olympic-caliber hockey talent, with four players on the 2026 roster. Harvey's experience underscores the mental fortitude required to navigate these dual commitments, as well as the importance of veteran mentorship in developing the next generation of stars.

Why it matters

This trend reflects the increasing visibility and support for women's sports, particularly in hockey. The success of programs like Wisconsin's suggests a potential model for other universities to emulate, fostering a deeper talent pool for national teams. Additionally, the transferable skills gained by these athletes, such as adaptability and emotional intelligence, have broader implications for their future careers.

The details

Harvey, a standout player for the Wisconsin Badgers, has been juggling her college hockey commitments with representing Team USA. This isn't unique to Harvey, as three of her Badgers teammates - Laila Edwards, Kirsten Simms, and Ava McNaughton - are also on the 2026 Olympic roster. Wisconsin's program, led by coach Mark Johnson, has a deliberate focus on preparing players for international competition, emphasizing both athletic skill and mental fortitude.

  • Caroline Harvey joined the Wisconsin Badgers in 2023.
  • The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina are scheduled for February 2026.

The players

Caroline Harvey

A standout player for the University of Wisconsin-Madison hockey team who is also representing Team USA in the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Mark Johnson

The head coach of the University of Wisconsin-Madison hockey program, which has developed several Olympic-caliber athletes.

Laila Edwards

A Wisconsin Badgers hockey player who is also on the 2026 U.S. Olympic team.

Kirsten Simms

A Wisconsin Badgers hockey player who is also on the 2026 U.S. Olympic team.

Ava McNaughton

A Wisconsin Badgers hockey player who is also on the 2026 U.S. Olympic team.

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What they’re saying

“You kind of have to be able to switch mindsets a bit — different roles, different leadership on both teams.”

— Caroline Harvey (newsy-today.com)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina are scheduled for February 2026, where the U.S. women's hockey team, including the Wisconsin players, will compete for gold.

The takeaway

The success of the University of Wisconsin-Madison hockey program in developing Olympic-caliber talent highlights the growing trend of student-athletes balancing the demands of NCAA sports and international competition. This model could be replicated by other universities, further strengthening the pipeline of elite talent, particularly in women's hockey.