Photo by: Greg Vasil
Ten Newcomers Set to Join Women’s Hockey in 2025-26
6/23/2025 11:54:00 AM | Women's Ice Hockey
O’Malley welcoming one graduate transfer, three transfers and five first years
FAIRFIELD, Conn. - Sacred Heart women's hockey coach Thomas O'Malley is excited to announce 10 newcomers will join the Pioneers for the 2025-26 season. O'Malley will welcome one graduate transfer, three transfers and six first years to campus.
The 10 join a SHU program coming off a memorable season that saw the Pioneers capture the NEWHA Tournament title and play the first NCAA Tournament game in school history.
Meet the Newcomers:
Before SHU: USA Nationals appearances with Culver Academies in 2024 and 2025.
Personal: Hobbies include golf and tennis... Coached hockey in the summer for children just learning to skate.
Why SHU? "Because from the moment I stepped on campus in the summer, it felt like home. The current players I met during camp had nothing but great things to say about the hockey program and the school. I felt extremely welcomed and knew that Sacred Heart was the school for me."
Before SHU: Played for Roki in Finland after moving from Czechia.
Why SHU? "I always knew I wanted to pursue ice hockey at the university level, and at Sacred Heart I have felt welcome since the first day and fell in love with the team and coaches.The campus and facilities are gorgeous. I'm counting my days until I come!"
Before SHU: Spent one season at Quinnipiac... Attended Hermantown High School and played for the Proctor-Hermantown Mirage... Proctor-Hermantown Mirage made two MSHSL State Tournament appearances during her career... Earned five varsity letters and tallied 78 career points while playing in the Minnesota State High School Hockey League... Attended two USA National Development Camps (2021 & 2022)... Played in two USA National Championship Tournaments in 2021 and 2023.
Personal: Daughter of Chris and Karen Jussila... Has two brothers, Kyle and Scott... National Honor Society Member... MSHSL Girls' Hockey Academic All-State Team... Spent eight semesters on the A Honor Roll... Double Major in biology and psychology.
Why SHU? "I chose Sacred Heart University to further both my academic and hockey careers because it offers the perfect balance of strong academics and a competitive athletic program. Sacred Heart's beautiful facilities, dedicated coaching staff, and strong team culture made it clear that SHU is the perfect environment for me to develop both on and off the ice. It's a place where I know I can grow, be challenged, and contribute meaningfully as a student-athlete."
Before SHU: Joins the Pioneers after playing one season at Connecticut College where she was the NESCAC Rookie of the Year and a D3 Hockey News All Rookie selection... In 20 games, she scored seven goals and added eight assists... Competed in ice hockey, soccer, and lacrosse at Kent School... Plans to pursue a career as an aerospace engineer after graduation.
Why SHU? "Because of its amazing hockey program, the awesome coaching staff, and the stellar academic programs. I believe that this school will lead me to success in the future."
Before SHU: Played for Gilmour Academy.
Personal: Plans to major in nursing in the honors program... Interested in pursuing a career in the medical field, specifically nurse anesthesia... Mother played hockey in college for Bowling Green... Father has worked for the Washington Capitals for 26 years.
Why SHU? "Because I fell in love with the campus, facilities and staff immediately and always dreamed of playing hockey in the East. I cannot wait to get started in the fall!"
Before SHU: Played four seasons at Yale... Helped the Bulldogs reach the 2022 Frozen Four and win Ivy League and ECAC regular season titles... 2025 recipient of the team's Coaches Award... Played five seasons with the Buffalo Regals and was assistant captain for last three... Won NYS Championship in 2017 and qualified for national championships... Played in 2019 national championship and allowed two goals in three games with a record of 2-1... Save percentage was .931 with a 1.48 goals against over 56 games in 2018-19... At Williamsville Varsity helped lead team to 2019-20 section championship… 2019-20 NYSPHSAA Championship runner-up.
Personal: Daughter of Jesse and Kari Wendell... Sisters: Gracie and Ava.
Why SHU? "I chose Sacred Heart because the entire atmosphere felt right — the rink, the people, and the school itself. I'm thrilled to be able to compete alongside a great group of girls while also earning my MBA. Sacred Heart felt like the perfect fit, and I can't wait to call it home for my final year of college hockey!"
Before SHU: Played for NC Golden Bears... Posted a 1.11 goals against average with a .934 save percentage.
Personal: Born in Fairbanks, Alaska... Has three dogs and two cats and hopes to purse a career in veterinary medicine.
Why SHU? "Because it felt like family when I stepped into the arena doors. Everyone welcomed me with open arms and hospitality. I noticed that SHU takes pride in their success and achievements all over the rink and I thought to myself then that this is the organization I want to be a part of and become a better player and person."
Before SHU: Played for Ironbound Elite... In 2023-24 scored 42 goals and added 61 assists in 66 games and in 2022-23 tallied 46 goals and 46 assists in 58 games.
Personal: Plans to major in political science on a pre-law track to pursue a career in law... Family owns an ice hockey training facility.
Why SHU? "When I visited Sacred Heart, I fell in love with the culture and campus. When I came for the tour, everyone I met was so friendly and welcoming. I have also always heard great things from family and friends who attend Sacred Heart."
Before SHU: Played one season at Bemidji State and appeared in two games... First Polish women's ice hockey player to play in NCAA DI... Helped Kiekko-Espoo to two championships in the Naisten Liiga, the top level women's Finnish league… Competed for Team Poland at the 2023 IIHF Women's World Championships Division I Group B tournament earning a silver medal… Helped Poland to a silver medal at the 2022 Women's World Championship U18 Division 1 Group B tournament.
Personal: Lived in Finland for five years before coming to the United States.
Why SHU: "After a year at BSU, I chose SHU because it seems like a better fit for me and a place where I'll be able to have unforgettable memories!"
The 10 join a SHU program coming off a memorable season that saw the Pioneers capture the NEWHA Tournament title and play the first NCAA Tournament game in school history.
Meet the Newcomers:
Annie Epstein
Forward
Wilmette, Ill.
Culver Academies
Before SHU: USA Nationals appearances with Culver Academies in 2024 and 2025.
Personal: Hobbies include golf and tennis... Coached hockey in the summer for children just learning to skate.
Why SHU? "Because from the moment I stepped on campus in the summer, it felt like home. The current players I met during camp had nothing but great things to say about the hockey program and the school. I felt extremely welcomed and knew that Sacred Heart was the school for me."
Magda Felcmanová
Forward
Hradec Králové, Czechia
Roki (Finland)
Before SHU: Played for Roki in Finland after moving from Czechia.
Why SHU? "I always knew I wanted to pursue ice hockey at the university level, and at Sacred Heart I have felt welcome since the first day and fell in love with the team and coaches.The campus and facilities are gorgeous. I'm counting my days until I come!"
Hailey Jussila
Forward
Hermantown, Minn.
Quinnipiac
Before SHU: Spent one season at Quinnipiac... Attended Hermantown High School and played for the Proctor-Hermantown Mirage... Proctor-Hermantown Mirage made two MSHSL State Tournament appearances during her career... Earned five varsity letters and tallied 78 career points while playing in the Minnesota State High School Hockey League... Attended two USA National Development Camps (2021 & 2022)... Played in two USA National Championship Tournaments in 2021 and 2023.
Personal: Daughter of Chris and Karen Jussila... Has two brothers, Kyle and Scott... National Honor Society Member... MSHSL Girls' Hockey Academic All-State Team... Spent eight semesters on the A Honor Roll... Double Major in biology and psychology.
Why SHU? "I chose Sacred Heart University to further both my academic and hockey careers because it offers the perfect balance of strong academics and a competitive athletic program. Sacred Heart's beautiful facilities, dedicated coaching staff, and strong team culture made it clear that SHU is the perfect environment for me to develop both on and off the ice. It's a place where I know I can grow, be challenged, and contribute meaningfully as a student-athlete."
Caitlin Pierce
Forward
Edgewater, N.J.
Connecticut College
Before SHU: Joins the Pioneers after playing one season at Connecticut College where she was the NESCAC Rookie of the Year and a D3 Hockey News All Rookie selection... In 20 games, she scored seven goals and added eight assists... Competed in ice hockey, soccer, and lacrosse at Kent School... Plans to pursue a career as an aerospace engineer after graduation.
Why SHU? "Because of its amazing hockey program, the awesome coaching staff, and the stellar academic programs. I believe that this school will lead me to success in the future."
Veronica Taylor
Forward
Hingham, Mass.
Thayer Academy
Before SHU: ISL Honorable Mention selection in 2025 at Thayer Academy... Helped Thayer set record for most wins in program history... Played for Boston Advantage Club team... Captain of Thayer hockey and lacrosse teams... Won a Massachusetts state lacrosse championship with Notre Dame Academy in 2022.
Personal: Father played baseball at Boston College and coached at Harvard... Hobbies include art, theater arts, singing and lacrosse.
Why SHU? "I chose SHU because I want to pursue both academic and athletic excellence, and SHU aligns with my faith. All of the coaches, teammates and teachers I have met at SHU seem awesome and I am so excited to be a part of this team and community."
Addie Wagner
Defense
Columbus, Ohio
Gilmour Academy
Before SHU: Played for Gilmour Academy.
Personal: Plans to major in nursing in the honors program... Interested in pursuing a career in the medical field, specifically nurse anesthesia... Mother played hockey in college for Bowling Green... Father has worked for the Washington Capitals for 26 years.
Why SHU? "Because I fell in love with the campus, facilities and staff immediately and always dreamed of playing hockey in the East. I cannot wait to get started in the fall!"
Mia Wendell
Goaltender
Buffalo, N.Y.
Yale
Before SHU: Played four seasons at Yale... Helped the Bulldogs reach the 2022 Frozen Four and win Ivy League and ECAC regular season titles... 2025 recipient of the team's Coaches Award... Played five seasons with the Buffalo Regals and was assistant captain for last three... Won NYS Championship in 2017 and qualified for national championships... Played in 2019 national championship and allowed two goals in three games with a record of 2-1... Save percentage was .931 with a 1.48 goals against over 56 games in 2018-19... At Williamsville Varsity helped lead team to 2019-20 section championship… 2019-20 NYSPHSAA Championship runner-up.
Personal: Daughter of Jesse and Kari Wendell... Sisters: Gracie and Ava.
Why SHU? "I chose Sacred Heart because the entire atmosphere felt right — the rink, the people, and the school itself. I'm thrilled to be able to compete alongside a great group of girls while also earning my MBA. Sacred Heart felt like the perfect fit, and I can't wait to call it home for my final year of college hockey!"
Mikayla Williams
Goaltender
Vass, N.C.
NC Golden Bears
Before SHU: Played for NC Golden Bears... Posted a 1.11 goals against average with a .934 save percentage.
Personal: Born in Fairbanks, Alaska... Has three dogs and two cats and hopes to purse a career in veterinary medicine.
Why SHU? "Because it felt like family when I stepped into the arena doors. Everyone welcomed me with open arms and hospitality. I noticed that SHU takes pride in their success and achievements all over the rink and I thought to myself then that this is the organization I want to be a part of and become a better player and person."
Ana Witmer
Forward
Glen Rock, N.J.
Ironbound Elite
Before SHU: Played for Ironbound Elite... In 2023-24 scored 42 goals and added 61 assists in 66 games and in 2022-23 tallied 46 goals and 46 assists in 58 games.
Personal: Plans to major in political science on a pre-law track to pursue a career in law... Family owns an ice hockey training facility.
Why SHU? "When I visited Sacred Heart, I fell in love with the culture and campus. When I came for the tour, everyone I met was so friendly and welcoming. I have also always heard great things from family and friends who attend Sacred Heart."
Julia Zielinska
Defense
Katowice, Poland
Bemidji State
Before SHU: Played one season at Bemidji State and appeared in two games... First Polish women's ice hockey player to play in NCAA DI... Helped Kiekko-Espoo to two championships in the Naisten Liiga, the top level women's Finnish league… Competed for Team Poland at the 2023 IIHF Women's World Championships Division I Group B tournament earning a silver medal… Helped Poland to a silver medal at the 2022 Women's World Championship U18 Division 1 Group B tournament.
Personal: Lived in Finland for five years before coming to the United States.
Why SHU: "After a year at BSU, I chose SHU because it seems like a better fit for me and a place where I'll be able to have unforgettable memories!"
Saige Harper Paris 2024
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