Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Caroline Harvey (ice hockey)

How Caroline Harvey (ice hockey) built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Caroline Harvey is an elite American ice hockey defenceman currently playing for the Wisconsin Badgers and the US national team. Recognized as one of the world's best at her position, she earned the Best Defenseman title at both the 2023 and 2025 World Championships. Her exceptional offensive skill is highlighted by being only the second defenseman ever to lead the United States in points at a major international tournament like the Olympics or World Championship, marking her as a standout player.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2018: U-18 National Team Debut

In 2018, Caroline Harvey first represented the United States at the U-18 level and was selected to play in the Under-18 Series.

2019: U-18 World Championship Silver Medal

In 2019, Caroline Harvey won a silver medal at the IIHF World Women's U18 Championship.

2020: U-18 World Championship Gold Medal

In 2020, Caroline Harvey won a gold medal at the U-18 World Championship.

2021: College Hockey Commitment Deferred

In 2021, Caroline Harvey was originally committed to play college ice hockey for Wisconsin during the 2021–22 NCAA season but deferred to the 2022–23 NCAA season after being selected to represent team USA at the 2022 Winter Olympics.

2021: World Championship Silver Medal

In 2021, Caroline Harvey won a World Championship silver medal.

January 2022: Named to Olympic Team USA

In January 2022, Caroline Harvey was named to Team USA's roster for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China. This selection led her to defer her enrollment at the University of Wisconsin.

2022: Deferred Enrollment and Rookie Season

In 2022, Caroline Harvey deferred her enrollment to join the national team for the Olympics, later commencing her rookie year during the 2022-23 season.

2022: Olympic Debut and Silver Medal

In 2022, Caroline Harvey made her Olympic debut at the Winter Olympics in Beijing at age 19, winning a silver medal as the youngest player on Team USA's roster.

2022: World Championship Performance

In 2022, at the World Championship in Herning and Frederikshavn, Denmark, Caroline Harvey recorded three goals and five assists for eight points as the United States won a silver medal.

2022: Olympic Silver Medal and Confidence Struggles

In 2022, during the Olympic tournament, Caroline Harvey won a silver medal with the United States. As the youngest player, she struggled with confidence.

2023: IIHF World Women's Championship Success

At the 2023 IIHF Women's World Championship in Brampton, Ontario, Caroline Harvey led the tournament in scoring with 14 points, becoming the second defenseman in history to lead the United States in points. She was named Best Defenseman and selected to the All-Star team, and the United States defeated Canada in the gold medal game.

2023: NCAA National Champion

In 2023, Caroline Harvey became an NCAA national champion with Wisconsin.

2023: World Championship Best Defenseman

In 2023, Caroline Harvey was named Best Defenseman at the World Championship.

2023: World Championship Gold Medal and Scoring Leader

In 2023, Caroline Harvey won a World Championship gold medal. She also led the tournament in scoring with 14 points and was the first skater to lead the United States in both points and ice time at a major tournament.

2023: Best Defenseman at World Championship

In 2023, Caroline Harvey's performance improved following encouragement from her coach, culminating in her Best Defenseman honors at the World Championships.

September 18, 2024: Named Team Co-Captain

On September 18, 2024, Caroline Harvey was named team co-captain for the 2024–25 season, along with Casey O'Brien.

October 2024: WCHA Defender of the Month

During October 2024, Caroline Harvey was named the WCHA Defender of the Month.

2024: IIHF Women's World Championship

In 2024, Caroline Harvey represented the United States at the IIHF Women's World Championship in Utica, New York, where she tied for the tournament lead in scoring. The United States won a silver medal, and Harvey was named to the All-Star team.

2024: WCHA Defender of the Year

In 2024, Caroline Harvey was named WCHA Defender of the Year.

2024: World Championship Silver Medal

In 2024, Caroline Harvey won a World Championship silver medal.

2025: World Championships Achievements

As of 2025, Caroline Harvey has won two gold medals and three silver medals and has been named to three All-Star teams at the World Championships.

2025: IIHF Women's World Championship

At the 2025 IIHF Women's World Championship in Prague, Czech Republic, Caroline Harvey recorded four points in seven games as the United States won a gold medal. She was named Best Defenseman of the tournament for the second time.

2025: NCAA National Champion, Patty Kazmaier Award Finalist, Program Records

In 2025, Caroline Harvey became a two-time NCAA national champion. During her junior season (2024-25), she recorded 63 points, the most by a defenseman in a single season in Wisconsin history, and became the program's all-time leading scorer among defensemen with 137 career points. Harvey was also a Top-3 finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Award in 2025.

2025: World Championship Best Defenseman

In 2025, Caroline Harvey was again named Best Defenseman at the World Championship.

2025: Best Defenseman at World Championship

In 2025, Caroline Harvey was named Best Defenseman at the World Championship for the second time.

January 2, 2026: Named to Olympic Team USA for 2026

On January 2, 2026, Caroline Harvey was named to team USA's roster to compete at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. During the team's last group stage match against Canada, she recorded a goal and two assists to help lift the U.S. to a 5-0 shutout against their rivals.