MILAN, ITALY – The United States women’s hockey team claimed gold at the Olympic final in Milan, defeating Canada in overtime. The victory was fueled by a strong performance from a contingent of Cornell University alumnae, with Rory Guilday ’25 securing a gold medal and Brianne Jenner ’15 and Kristin O’Neill ’20 earning silver.
The dramatic final saw Canada take the lead in the second period with a goal from O’Neill, her third of the tournament. Playing in her first Olympics, O’Neill had quickly established herself as a key player for the Canadian squad, anchoring their fourth line and demonstrating a knack for scoring crucial goals. Her goal against the U.S. Appeared to be the game-winner until late in the third period when U.S. Star Hilary Knight leveled the score, forcing the game into overtime.
It was Megan Keller who ultimately sealed the victory for the Americans, scoring the golden goal less than five minutes into the extra period. Guilday, who became the first Cornellian to play for the USA’s women’s hockey team at the Winter Games, played a vital role in the U.S. Defense throughout the tournament and capped her Olympic debut with a gold medal.
The game marked a particularly poignant moment for Cornell’s women’s hockey program, as four alumnae – Laura Fortino ’13, Jenner, O’Neill, and Guilday – all participated in the Olympic tournament. Fortino, who previously won silver and gold representing Canada, qualified to play for Italy through family lineage, adding another layer of complexity and pride to the Cornell representation.
With the addition of Guilday’s gold and the silvers won by Jenner and O’Neill, Cornell alumnae have now amassed a total of 10 gold and seven silver medals in Olympic women’s hockey. Nine of the ten Cornellians who have competed in the Olympics played under Doug Derraugh ’91, the Everett Family Head Coach of Women’s Ice Hockey, highlighting the program’s success in developing world-class talent.
“I’m excited that all of these players are achieving their lifelong goals of playing in the Olympics,” Derraugh said. “Obviously, we’re very proud that we attract players and people of this caliber.”
Jenner, competing in her fourth Olympic Games, adds to an already impressive career record. The Arts & Sciences graduate now boasts two gold medals and two silver medals, solidifying her status as a cornerstone of the Canadian national team. She is second in career points for the Big Red and was the top goal-scorer at the Beijing Olympics with nine goals.
“Brianne is the total package as a hockey player,” Derraugh commented. “And she’s a great ambassador for the game of hockey, Cornell and Team Canada.”
O’Neill’s Olympic journey was particularly noteworthy. After being named to Canada’s “taxi squad” in in Beijing due to COVID-19 protocols, she finally had the opportunity to showcase her skills on the Olympic ice in Milan. The Arts & Sciences graduate had previously won three world championships with Team Canada and finished her Cornell career as the program’s all-time leader in game-winning goals with 21.
“If I were going into battle with anybody and needed to bring someone I know had my back, I would pick Kristin O’Neill,” Derraugh said. “She’s one of the toughest players I’ve ever coached.”
Fortino’s story is one of unique dedication and familial connection. After winning silver in and gold in with Canada, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences graduate qualified to play for Italy through her family lineage. Having lived and played in Italy for the past two years, she brought a wealth of experience and a personal connection to the Italian team.
“Laura was a huge part of the turnaround for the women’s hockey program at Cornell,” Derraugh said. “At one point, she was the best defenseman in the world, and it means so much to her family that she now has the opportunity to represent Italy.”
Guilday’s inclusion in the U.S. Team marked a historic moment for Cornell, as she became the first Big Red alumna to represent the United States in Olympic women’s hockey. Having already secured a gold medal at the World Championships, along with two silver medals, Guilday’s Olympic debut was a continuation of her impressive rise in the sport. She was an All-Ivy First Team selection as both a junior and senior at Cornell.
“I talked with Rory when she arrived at Cornell, and I’m not sure at that point she believed she was capable of this,” Derraugh said. “But she is a dominating physical presence, and women’s hockey has become much more physical in recent years. She has is also a powerful skater and has one of the hardest shots I’ve ever seen.”
The success of these Cornell alumnae underscores the strength of the university’s women’s hockey program and its ability to cultivate athletes who excel on the world’s biggest stage. The Milan Olympics will be remembered as a landmark event for Cornell hockey, with a gold medal, two silver medals, and a testament to the dedication and talent of its players.
