From Backyard Battles to the PWHL, Haley Winn’s Rise Is Just Beginning

Among the most anticipated prospects in next week’s PWHL Draft is Haley Winn, a poised, right-shot defender whose rise through the ranks of American hockey reflects a story of grit, growth and grace. In a recent interview with us, Winn opened up about her journey from backyard battles with her brothers to winning gold with Team USA, all while staying grounded by faith, family and an enduring love for the game.

Winn’s introduction to hockey came on a backyard rink built by her father, Mike, at their family home in Rochester, NY. She skated alongside her three older brothers, Casey, Ryan and Tommy, all of whom played college hockey. “I quickly fell in their footsteps,” she said. “I’ve looked up to my brothers throughout my life, and they’ve inspired me to continually improve myself.”

Though her father played baseball at Clarkson University, hockey quickly became the family’s shared passion. The backyard rink became her first training ground. “I give credit to them for making me, I like to say, pretty tough,” she said with a laugh, recalling snowy cross-checks and friendly scrimmages with her brothers. From those early days, she developed a competitive edge and resilience that would shape her career.

Her family’s support has been unwavering. Her parents, Janet and the aforementioned Mike, have traveled across the map to watch her compete, including attending the 2023 and 2024 IIHF Women’s World Championships. “They don’t miss a lot of games,” she said. “I really can’t thank them enough.”

Winn’s development continued with the Bishop Kearney Selects, where she began to understand the demands of elite competition. Under coach Brent Hill, she learned what it would take to succeed at the next level. That foundation helped her transition to Clarkson University, the same school her father once attended and a dream school since childhood.

At Clarkson, Winn emerged as a leader on and off the ice. She co-captained the team her senior year alongside fellow draft prospect Nicole Gosling. Winn's final season was her strongest: 14 goals and 32 assists in 38 games, earning her the ECAC Player of the Year and Defender of the Year honors. “Work always feels easier when it’s something you love,” she said.

Instagram @clarksongoldenknights / Via instagram.com

One of her most memorable games came in the NCAA regional finals in 2024, when Clarkson defeated Minnesota in a dramatic quadruple-overtime thriller. The game winner was scored by Dominique Petrie, who now plays for the Minnesota Frost.

Instagram @clarksongoldenknights / Via instagram.com

“That was definitely my most memorable game,” Winn recalled. “I’ll never forget it.”

Her leadership style is grounded in example and empathy. “Anyone can be a leader at any time; you don’t have to have a letter on your jersey,” she said.

Winn speaks quietly but acts boldly, often supporting teammates in subtle but meaningful ways, from staying late after practice to mentoring younger players. Winn's passion for mentorship extends beyond her college team. She returns home each summer to help run First Look Weekend, a Rochester-based event for girls interested in Division I hockey, as well as the School of Defense, both of which are run through the Rochester Ice Center Hockey Academy.

Instagram @ricacademy / Via instagram.com

“It’s always surprising when a young girl sees you in the rink and knows who you are,” she said. “When you see those girls that really look up to you and want to be like you… it makes it worth it.”

Winn also credits her faith with helping her maintain perspective. Her faith gives her clarity during moments of uncertainty, helping her navigate tough losses and the mental pressure of elite competition. For Winn, her faith serves as both an internal compass and a source of calm in the intensity of sport. “Being able to separate what I do from who I am has been huge for me,” she said. That mindset has helped her weather the pressures of performance and maintain balance in a demanding sport. She’s also found grounding in golf and quality time with family and friends.

Winn’s international career with Team USA has been nothing short of remarkable. She won gold at the IIHF U18 Women’s Worlds in 2020, returned for senior competition in 2023 and 2024, and helped lead the team to a thrilling gold medal victory in 2025 in Czechia.

“Everyone had a chip on their shoulder after 2024, when we came up one shot short” she said. “We wanted to make a statement.”

She recalled the final moments of the gold medal game: “I was sitting on the back bench next to Jesse Compher, and it all happened so fast when Tessa [Janecke] scored. The atmosphere was wild.” She credited veterans like Megan Keller, Savannah Harmon, and Lee Stecklein as key influences, noting their mentorship and leadership.

Now, as she prepares for the PWHL Draft on June 24 in Ottawa, Winn is focused on staying present and ready. “Every girl’s dream is to do this for a living. Being able to live out that dream feels surreal,” she said.

She’ll be joined at the draft by her parents, brothers, and grandmother. “It’s not too far from home,” she said. “It’ll be nice to have everyone there.”

Instagram @ryanwinn44 / Via instagram.com

Looking ahead, she’s excited to play with and against the world’s best. “It’s going to be incredible,” she said. “I hope I have a few of them on my team, too.”

Haley Winn’s story is one of quiet consistency and big moments. For the team that drafts her, she brings not only elite defensive talent but a rare combination of maturity, humility, and leadership.

As the PWHL continues to grow, players like Winn will inspire a new generation of athletes to dream bigger. From the backyard rink in Rochester to the biggest stages in women’s hockey, she has led with humility and fire. Her next chapter in the PWHL is just beginning, but the foundation she’s built, through leadership, perseverance, and a love of the game, is already something to celebrate.

Headline photo courtesy of Clarkson University