Olympian and World Champion Caitlin Cahow Aims to Contribute to the Sport That Has Provided Her with So Much
Caitlin Cahow will always remember entering the stadium for the Opening Ceremony of the 2006 Olympic Winter Games.
After assisting the U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team in securing a bronze medal in Torino, Italy, Cahow represented the United States once more at the 2010 games, where she earned a silver medal.
“Wearing the USA jersey is one of the proudest moments of my life,” she stated. “It’s something I carry with me every day, and having the chance to share it with my teammates was transformative for me.”
Although her time wearing the Team USA jersey on the ice has concluded, Cahow has recently discovered a new avenue to support hockey in the country.
During USA Hockey’s Annual Meeting in June, Cahow was elected as vice president and chair of the Legal Council for USA Hockey.
“It’s a great honor,” Cahow remarked. “Having been a youth and girls player throughout my journey with USA Hockey, being elected as a member and officer is an extraordinary privilege, and I feel very humbled.”
The New Haven, Connecticut, native expressed that stepping into a service role with USA Hockey is a way to show gratitude and an opportunity to give back.
“I recognize how much hockey has provided me over the years and all the opportunities I received, whether as an athlete, in education, or in my career. All of that has shaped who I am and influenced my entire life’s path,” she noted. “Contributing to an organization that has given me so much is a vital part of my role. I’m applying what I learned through my education as an officer.”
Cahow values USA Hockey’s commitment to enhancing athlete representation on its board. She is currently a partner at the law firm Jones Day, where she has been employed since 2015, focusing on business restructuring and reorganization, and advising clients in chapter 11 bankruptcy cases among other duties.
“In my work, I often refer to it as a team sport,” Cahow explained. “It necessitates significant collaboration from individuals across various disciplines. I couldn’t pursue a solitary sport-type job. I appreciate the team dynamic, and this aligns well with my strengths and how I operate best.”
Cahow excelled at Harvard, graduating in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in social and biological anthropology. As a senior in 2008, she received USA Hockey’s Bob Allen Women’s Player of the Year Award.
Following her time at Harvard, Cahow attended law school at Boston College while continuing to compete for the U.S. national team during part of her studies.
“I’ve always been a student-athlete, and USA Hockey has played a significant role in that, providing me with incredible opportunities,” she stated.
In addition to her Olympic experiences, Cahow participated in four IIHF World Championships, securing gold medals in 2008, 2009, and 2011.
By 2014, Cahow had retired from the U.S. Women’s National Team. Nevertheless, she attended the Sochi Games after being invited by former President Barack Obama to join the Presidential Delegation for the 2014 Olympic Winter Games. Cahow also served on the President’s Council of Fitness, Sports and Nutrition from 2014 to 2016.
“Receiving a call from the White House is remarkable because you are being asked to represent your country,” Cahow said. “I can’t imagine a greater honor, and I aimed to fulfill the role to the best of my ability.”
Cahow has been married to Kristen Jakubowski since 2017 and has two daughters, Carter, who is 3 years old, and Remy, who is 11 months old.
Cahow mentioned that Carter has already developed a passion for hockey.
“It’s such a privilege to witness exceptional women compete at the highest level, and I’m incredibly thankful that my daughters are growing up in that environment,” Cahow said. “My girls are learning to play a game that I cherish, and experiencing it as a parent is a new journey.”
Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.
