Grace Zumwinkle Bio
Grace Zumwinkle (born April 23, 1999) is an American ice hockey player for the Minnesota Frost of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). She played college ice hockey at the University of Minnesota and represented the United States women’s national ice hockey team at the 2022 Winter Olympics, where she won a silver medal. Known for her skills as a forward, Zumwinkle has made significant contributions to her teams at both the collegiate and international levels.
Early Life and Background
Grace Zumwinkle was born in Excelsior, Minnesota, where she grew up in a sports-oriented family. Her father, Mike Zumwinkle, played college football at St. John’s University, while her mother, Lori Zumwinkle, played tennis for both the College of Saint Benedict and St. John’s University. This athletic background likely influenced Grace’s early interest in sports, particularly ice hockey. She began playing hockey at a young age and quickly developed her skills, which would later lead her to a successful collegiate career.
Path to Hockey
Zumwinkle began her collegiate career with the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the 2017–18 season. In her freshman year, she made an immediate impact by leading the team in scoring with 17 goals and 21 assists in 38 games. Her performance earned her several accolades, including the WCHA Rookie of the Week and WCHA Offensive Player of the Month. These early achievements set the stage for a remarkable college career, where she consistently ranked among the top players in the league and contributed significantly to her team’s success.
Grace Zumwinkle Career
Early Career (2017–2022)
During her time with the Minnesota Golden Gophers, Zumwinkle continued to excel. In the 2018–19 season, she ranked second on the team in scoring, with 41 points in 39 games. She led the team with six multi-goal games and was recognized as WCHA Forward of the Month multiple times. Her scoring prowess continued into the 2019–20 season, where she achieved a career-high 45 points and became the 35th player in program history to reach 100 career points. Her leadership qualities were recognized when she was named captain for the 2020–21 season.
Breakthrough (2023–Present)
Grace Zumwinkle’s professional career took off when she was drafted in the third round, 13th overall, by PWHL Minnesota in the 2023 PWHL Draft. She made history by scoring the league’s first-ever hat-trick in Minnesota’s inaugural home game on January 6, 2024. During the 2023–24 season, she recorded 11 goals and eight assists in regular season play, contributing to Minnesota’s victory in the inaugural Walter Cup. Her outstanding performance earned her the title of PWHL Rookie of the Year.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout her career, Grace Zumwinkle has been recognized for her exceptional talent on the ice. She has represented the United States in multiple international competitions, including the IIHF World Women’s U18 Championships, where she won gold. At the 2022 Winter Olympics, she played a pivotal role in helping Team USA secure a silver medal. Zumwinkle’s achievements continue to inspire young athletes and showcase her dedication to the sport.
Grace Zumwinkle Award Nominations
Grace Zumwinkle has received several nominations throughout her career, particularly during her time at the University of Minnesota and in her professional career with the Minnesota Frost. Her consistent performance and contributions to her teams have made her a standout player in women’s ice hockey.
Grace Zumwinkle Awards Won
Grace Zumwinkle has won numerous awards, including the WCHA Rookie of the Year and multiple WCHA Forward of the Month honors. Her accolades reflect her skill and impact on the ice, as well as her leadership abilities as a captain.
Grace Zumwinkle Family
Grace Zumwinkle comes from a supportive family that values sports and athleticism. Her parents, Mike and Lori Zumwinkle, have played significant roles in her development as an athlete. Grace has a younger sister, Emily, who also played college ice hockey at Minnesota and currently plays for the Seattle Torrent of the PWHL.
Personal Life
Grace Zumwinkle maintains a private personal life, focusing on her career in ice hockey. Her dedication to the sport and her achievements on the ice continue to be her primary focus as she navigates her professional journey.
