MILAN – Kendall Coyne Schofield was just 17 when Jenny Potter stood on the blueline at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games, sharing her silver medal with her children, Cullen and Madison.
At that moment, the concept of motherhood was not on Coyne Schofield’s radar.
Yet, the sight of Potter with her children has frequently crossed the mind of the now 33-year-old as she prepared and aspired to secure a position on the 2026 U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team, especially after welcoming her son, Drew, with her husband, Michael Schofield, in July 2023.
“I often reflected on that image,” Coyne Schofield remarked during the U.S. Women’s National Team training camp in September. “It inspires me. I find myself asking, ‘How did she manage that? And how did you do it too?’
“Then you come to understand your own journey and think, ‘I can achieve this.’”
There would be nothing quite like draping a gold medal around her son’s neck next week and celebrating with her family at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.
Coyne Schofield moved closer to that aspiration on Friday night, scoring two goals in the second period while her son was present at Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena, as the U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team triumphed over Italy, 6-0, in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
“Having him here is special,” Coyne Schofield stated. “I look up and it serves as a reminder of the journey it took to return to this point. Anyone who has a child understands. It requires a community to raise one, and I reflect on the support that helped me reach this stage. After experiencing childbirth and the process of returning to elite hockey, being here with him is meaningful, and I hope it serves as inspiration for others who wish to start a family while pursuing their careers. It is possible to achieve both dreams simultaneously.
“It’s challenging, but absolutely worthwhile. Every time I see him, it reminds me of how rewarding this journey has been.”
The U.S. will face either Sweden or Germany in the semifinals on Monday at 10:40 a.m. ET (NBC | Peacock). Coyne Schofield’s focus on helping her team advance was evident as she left the ice.
“Scoring felt good, but ultimately, it’s about the victory,” Coyne Schofield noted. “It’s about fulfilling our roles on any given night. Being in the right place at the right time is key. So yes, it felt good, but more importantly, securing the win is what matters.”
John Wroblewski, head coach of the U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team, referred to Coyne Schofield as one of his heroes following the match.
“That woman is as driven as anyone can be, and I admire her greatly,” Wroblewski expressed. “I’m thrilled to have her on our team.”
Meanwhile, Drew has become a local sensation in Milan, capturing attention on national NBC broadcasts alongside his father and even going viral on social media for catching a puck in the stands during the U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team’s 5-0 victory over Canada on Tuesday.
“He didn’t manage to snag a puck tonight, poor kid,” Coyne Schofield said with a laugh and a motherly smile.
Lee Stecklein, who has participated in all four Olympics with Coyne Schofield, embraced her longtime teammate at center ice following the win, tapping the top of her teammate’s blue helmet in acknowledgment of a job well done.
“We celebrate every time we score, but seeing Kendall net two significant goals is so exciting,” Stecklein remarked. “She plays hockey at an extraordinary level and continues to improve. Those goals were classic Kendall Coyne Schofield, showcasing her hard work.”
Coyne Schofield has excelled both professionally and as a mother, leading the PWHL’s Minnesota Frost to consecutive Walter Cups and currently ranking tied for the most points in the league (16) and second in goals (10) this season.
Stecklein plays alongside Coyne Schofield in Minnesota, allowing her to witness Drew growing up in the Frost locker room and with the U.S. Women’s National Team.
“Having Drew around is wonderful. We adore him,” Stecklein stated. “I feel fortunate to spend more time with him, even in Minnesota, and to see them together. It’s a reminder of how remarkable it is for Kendall to have had a baby and return to this level; it’s truly impressive. I don’t think any of us will fully understand until we have children ourselves. But he’s fantastic, and it was really enjoyable to see him get some screen time.”
Coyne Schofield and Potter are the first two mothers to represent the U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team, and Coyne Schofield noted that this Olympics is certainly different with the addition of the motherhood aspect.
“Yes, I’m concerned about diapers, pack and plays, strollers, food, whole milk, and accommodations,” Coyne Schofield said with a laugh. “So the logistics are definitely unique. I informed our equipment managers that there are a few boxes of diapers in my hockey bag. It’s certainly different, but I wouldn’t change it for anything.”
There is a possibility that more mothers will join the U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team in the future.
Coyne Schofield aspires for all mothers to draw inspiration from her journey, as well as from other professional athletes who are mothers, such as Allyson Felix, Alex Morgan, and Skylar Diggins.
“You can see how they excel as both athletes and mothers,” Coyne Schofield remarked. “They manage to balance both roles seamlessly. I believe there is a stigma surrounding the physical aspects of childbirth and carrying a child, leading to the notion that, ‘Oh, your body will never be the same.’ However, my body is the same, if not improved, because of those experiences. I have come to realize my body’s capabilities, and that is what makes this journey so remarkable.
“I hope to demonstrate that you don’t have to sacrifice your career if you wish to start a family. It is possible to achieve both, and you can excel in both areas.”
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