PWHL Star Taylor Heise on Resilience, Olympic Dreams & The Future of Women’s Hockey

From Dreamer to Trailblazer: Taylor Heise on PWHL Stardom and Inspiring the Next Generation

In Part 2 of our Girls Play Hockey interview with Taylor Heise, the PWHL's first-ever #1 draft pick and two-time Walter Cup champion offers powerful insight into what it truly means to chase—and achieve—your dreams.

Whether you're a young athlete, a parent navigating the hockey grind, or simply a fan of the sport, Taylor's words will resonate deeply.

Growing Up Without a Blueprint

Taylor didn’t grow up watching women’s hockey stars on TV. Instead, her early idols were closer to home—most notably her mom, a college athlete and the ultimate multitasker. "She just did everything right," Taylor recalled.

It wasn't until her early teens that she discovered players like Julie Chu and Hilary Knight. Meeting and eventually playing alongside those icons helped Taylor envision what was possible.

"You don't always have to be the best. You just have to fit a puzzle piece and do what you do best."

That advice from her parents, and embodied by her heroes, became a guiding principle.

From College Powerhouse to Pro Autonomy

Taylor's five years at the University of Minnesota were filled with structure and support. Transitioning to the pro level with the PWHL's Minnesota franchise, however, meant learning to manage her own schedule, training, and recovery.

"You have to have the confidence to say, 'I don't need to do what everyone else is doing.'"

The shift from rigid team schedules to professional autonomy brought new challenges—but also gave her freedom to tailor her development and stay in peak condition.

A Different Kind of Pressure

Despite her accolades, including back-to-back PWHL titles and a playoff MVP, Taylor's eyes remain fixed on her ultimate goal: the Olympics.

Being cut from the U.S. Olympic team once already was, in hindsight, a pivotal moment. "It was the best thing that ever happened to me," she said. That setback fueled her to win the Patty Kazmaier Award the following year and taught her emotional resilience that she now leans on heavily.

Managing the Mental Load

With an unprecedented year of PWHL games, national team camps, and Olympic aspirations ahead, Taylor emphasizes one key to surviving the grind: knowing yourself.

"Hockey is something that I do. It's not who I am."

Taylor stresses the importance of staying mentally strong, trusting your routine, and finding joy outside the rink. For her, it's cooking and baking. For others, it might be family time, reading, or even just a good nap.

To Young Athletes: Train Smart, Not Just Hard

Taylor's message to kids? Quality over quantity.

Some of her teammates used to skate four times a day, but she found more value in one focused, intentional hour. "I always did the three things I wanted to work on," she said. And that intention paid off.

"You don't have to do everything. You just have to do the right things."

Why the Future Is Bright

Today, girls can dream of a future in professional hockey—because it's no longer a dream, it's a reality. For Taylor, the most touching moments come from young fans and even women in their 40s who say, "We never got to do what you do."

Add in sold-out arenas, media coverage, and representation in video games, and the shift is clear: women's hockey has arrived.

A Role Model On and Off the Ice

Taylor Heise isn't just building her legacy—she's paving a path for others to follow. Her story is one of resilience, self-awareness, and a deep love for the game.

If you're a young athlete or the parent of one, take this to heart: structure matters. Passion matters. And so does rest. Create your plan. Stick to your values. And remember, hockey is something you do. It's not who you are.

Want More from Taylor?

Listen to the full two-part interview on Our Kids Play Hockey or Our Girls Play Hockey. For questions or to share your thoughts, email us at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com or tap the link in the show notes to text us directly.

Until next time, skate on and have fun.