Olivia Jakiel

My hockey journey began at age 5 on a cement basketball court in Santa Clarita, playing roller hockey — in pink and white Barbie skates, no less — on a team full of boys. After winning countless tournaments and multiple national championships with the Santa Clarita Storm and the OC Blades years later, I made the switch to ice hockey, joining the 12U Cal Selects in 2000 and the Valencia Express 12A team in 2001.

As a teen, I trained under James Gasseau, Igor Nikulin, and Mike Lind while playing 14A and 14AAA for the LA Jr. Kings and LA Hockey Club, respectively. I also trained at the Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid, New York, through the USA Hockey Player Development Camps. After finishing my youth hockey career with the Cal Selects, I went on to play defense at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where I was named WCHA Defensive Player of the Week in 2009 and won an NCAA D1 championship that same year.

When it comes to coaching, I focus on fundamentals and technique while developing players' hockey IQ and overall knowledge of the game. I wholeheartedly believe in creating and maintaining a positive environment, as well as a safe and inclusive community, for all players.

Off the ice, I'm a journalist and editor with more than 12 years of experience in the entertainment industry, and I've interviewed some of the biggest celebrities around — including a number of A-list female athletes. My byline can be found on Parade, People, Us Weekly, The Messenger, and more. In my free time, you can find me enjoying "grandma hobbies," including baking, cooking, gardening, reading, and going to bed before 9 PM.