The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina are showcasing a growing trend: mothers competing at the highest level of athletic achievement. Among them is Kendall Coyne Schofield, a four-time Olympian in ice hockey, whose performance in the quarterfinals against Italy – where she scored twice – is a testament to her dedication and a powerful message about the compatibility of motherhood and elite athletics. This victory, a 6-0 shutout of Italy with Team USA dominating in shots on goal (51 to Italy’s 5), is particularly meaningful given Coyne Schofield’s journey back to form after giving birth to her son in 2023.
Coyne Schofield’s return to the ice wasn’t without its doubters. As her husband, retired NFL offensive lineman Michael Schofield, recounted, some assumed her career was over upon announcing her pregnancy. “When she announced she was going to be, she was pregnant, going to have a kid, you know, people are texting, ‘Oh, congrats,’ ‘Great career, great career,’ thinking her career is over,” he said. But Coyne Schofield was resolute. She didn’t want her son, Drew, to be seen as the reason she stopped playing hockey; rather, she wanted him to be a source of motivation. “She always says you don’t want Drew to be the reason why she retired. She wants Drew to be the reason why she keeps playing, you know?” Michael Schofield explained.
This sentiment reflects a broader shift in perspective, challenging the traditional notion that motherhood signals the end of an athletic career. Coyne Schofield herself redefines what it means to be a “hockey mom,” moving beyond the role of spectator to that of a competing athlete. “So often when people think of a hockey mom, they think of the mom coming into the rink to watch her kids play,” she stated in a 2024 interview. “I look at being a hockey mom as redefining what a hockey mom may be. And for me, that’s playing hockey with my child cheering me on.”
The support system surrounding Coyne Schofield has been crucial to her success. She acknowledges the “village” it takes to raise a child and return to elite competition. “It’s a reminder of the journey that it took to get here, to come back after giving childbirth and, you know, just the sacrifice, the journey, the village that it took to get here,” she said after the quarterfinal win. This network of support extends beyond family to include coaches, trainers, and fellow athletes who understand the unique demands placed on mothers in sports.
Coyne Schofield isn’t the only mother competing for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Games. Brenna Huckaby, a Paralympic snowboarder and mother of two, Lilah, 9, and Sloan, 5, is also competing in Milan-Cortina. Huckaby has already secured four Paralympic medals – three gold and one bronze – and is aiming for more. She emphasizes the importance of having her children present and involved in her journey. “To actually have them physically be there and feel a part of it and feel a part of my journey, it feels exciting,” Huckaby shared.
The presence of these mothers on Team USA sends a powerful message to aspiring female athletes: motherhood and athletic excellence are not mutually exclusive. It challenges societal expectations and demonstrates that women can continue to pursue their dreams and achieve their goals while raising families. The success of Coyne Schofield and Huckaby, along with other mothers competing in the Olympics, is helping to erase the outdated idea that motherhood marks the end of a gold medal dream.
Michael Schofield, a Super Bowl 50 champion himself with the Denver Broncos, understands the dedication required to compete at the highest level. He expressed immense pride in his wife’s accomplishments, noting the joy it brings their son. “Seeing a game like this where she has two goals and everything, it’s just, it’s the best thing in the world, you know? And … Drew gets excited. You know, it’s the best.”
The U.S. Women’s victory over Italy in the quarterfinals, with a final score of 6-0, is not just a win for the team, but a win for mothers everywhere. It’s a demonstration of resilience, determination, and the power of support, proving that with dedication and a strong network, athletes can overcome challenges and continue to excel, both on and off the ice.
