Cayla Barnes

Cayla Barnes is an ice hockey player, currently a member of the Seattle Torrent in the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) and the United States women's national ice hockey team. She has had a significant career, with numerous victories including gold at the 2018, 2026 Winter Olympics and silver at the 2022 Winter Olympics. In the IIHF Women's World Championships, Barnes has competed six times, earning three gold medals (2019, 2023, 2025) and three silver medals (2021, 2022, 2024). Additionally, she holds the distinction of being the first player to win three consecutive gold medals at the IIHF World Women's U18 Championship (2015, 2016, 2017), receiving Best Defender honors in 2016 and 2017.

Apart from her international victories, Barnes has also achieved success in collegiate hockey, playing for Boston College and Ohio State, and winning the 2024 NCAA National Championship with the Buckeyes. Following her graduation, she was drafted fifth overall by PWHL Montreal in the 2024 PWHL draft and signed a three-year contract with them. However, in 2025, she signed with the expansion Seattle Torrent. Throughout her career, she has received numerous awards including Hockey East Third Team All-Star (2019), Hockey East All-Rookie Team (2019), AHCA Second Team All-American (2021, 2024), and First Team All-WCHA (2024).

Barnes' academic achievements include a Bachelor of Science in Communication and Management in Leadership from Boston College and a Master's degree in Sports Management at Ohio State University. Her influence extends beyond the ice, as she has been recognized as a role model in the hockey community by The Hockey Writers. She has also been featured in "2020 Top 25 Under 25", ranking No. 7 by The Ice Garden, and was again ranked in "2024 Top 25 Under 25". She holds a significant role in the U.S. Women's National Team and continues to participate in multiple international competitions.