Angela Ruggiero: A True Pioneer
A defender that defined an era both on and off the ice, Angela Ruggiero has won at every level while remaining committed to the next generation of female hockey players.
A native of Harper Woods, MI, Angela Ruggiero has done it all and at every level. Listing off each one of her accomplishments would likely take the rest of this article, but here’s just a taste:
14 Olympic and World Championship medals
two-time Olympic Best Defender, and four-time World Championship Best Defender
member of the United States Hockey Hall of Fame, IIHF Hall of Fame, and the Hockey Hall of Fame
2-time NCAA ECAC Champion
Angela played her junior career at Choate Rosemary Hall before heading off to Harvard University, where she played from 1998-2000, before focusing on centralizing with the USA’s national program ahead of the 2002 Olympics. She would return to complete her collegiate career from 2002 to 2004, now with the “C” sewn on her jersey. Following a tremendously successful collegiate career, Angela would go on to pursue hockey in the NWHL, WWHL, and the CWHL.
Her impact goes beyond just accomplishments on the ice, making her story even more fascinating and impactful. Angela is the co-founder of Sports Innovation Lab, which describes itself as the “premier fan graph for sports and entertainment,” as well as an Executive Board member of the International Olympic Committee, World Rugby, and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, and an analyst and broadcaster for NBC Sports, ESPN and advisor to Genius Sports. Angela also served as a Senior Advisor for the New York Rangers, once again showing her impact beyond just the women’s game.
A keynote speaker, author, volunteer coordinator and leader, Angela Ruggiero has, and continues to be, a deeply important voice within the women’s hockey space. Her resume, both on and off the ice, demonstrates her true impact and a legacy that will continue to inspire the next generation of female hockey players to never stop chasing greatness.