Olivia Knowles Bio
Olivia Knowles is a Canadian professional ice hockey player born on January 24, 1999. She plays defense for the New York Sirens in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) and has a rich background in sports, having played various games during her youth. She had a successful college career at the University of Minnesota, culminating in her being co-captain and a standout player in several seasons. After initiating her professional journey with the Minnesota Whitecaps, she continued her career with the New York Sirens after being drafted by PWHL Toronto in the 2023 draft.
Early Life and Background
Olivia Knowles was born in Campbell River, British Columbia, Canada, to Darrell and Jonelle Knowles. She has one sibling named Jaret and attended Penticton Secondary in Penticton, British Columbia, graduating in 2017. Throughout her life, she has competed in various sports, including gymnastics, soccer, softball, track and field, swimming, basketball, volleyball, cross country, skiing, snowboarding, surfing, and tennis. During high school, she played at the Okanagan Hockey Academy under coaches Jim Fetter and Delaney Collins, where she was recognized as a member of the Junior Women’s Hockey League First Team All-Star. In 2016, she was named the Canadian Sport School Hockey League Best Defense and the OHA Female Prep Best Defense. In 2017, she served as team captain, leading her team to win the CSSHL championship while scoring 30 points in 42 games.
Path to Hockey
Olivia Knowles began her collegiate hockey career at the University of Minnesota, where she played for five seasons from 2017 to 2022. By the end of her fifth year, she had become team co-captain and was recognized as a Western Collegiate Hockey Association Scholar-Athlete. Knowles was also named to the WCHA All-Academic Team and received Academic All-Big Ten honors. In her freshman year during the 2017–18 season, she played in all 38 games, scoring seven goals and 13 assists, and was named to the WCHA All-Rookie Team and the All-US College Hockey Online Rookie Team. Throughout her college career, she consistently demonstrated her skills, leading her team in blocked shots and earning multiple academic honors.
Olivia Knowles Career
Early Career (2022)
Olivia Knowles signed a two-year contract with the Minnesota Whitecaps in 2022, marking the beginning of her professional career. During her time with the Whitecaps, she played in the Isobel Cup finals, where the team faced off against the Toronto Six. In the finals, she contributed with one assist and five blocked shots.
Breakthrough (2023)
In 2023, Olivia Knowles was drafted in the 15th round, 86th overall, by PWHL Toronto during the PWHL Draft. During the 2023–24 PWHL season, she played a crucial role in helping her team secure a spot in the PWHL playoffs after a victory over PWHL Montreal. Following the start of the 2024-25 season, she was signed by the New York Sirens on December 6, 2024, after a teammate was placed on injured reserve.
Notable Works and Milestones
Olivia Knowles has established herself as a prominent player in women’s ice hockey, with significant contributions to her teams in both collegiate and professional leagues. She has earned recognition for her defensive skills and leadership qualities, culminating in her role as co-captain during her final year at the University of Minnesota.
Olivia Knowles Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Olivia Knowles has received various nominations and accolades, particularly during her collegiate career, where she was recognized for her academic and athletic achievements.
Olivia Knowles Awards Won
Olivia Knowles has achieved notable recognition during her time in college, including being named a WCHA Scholar-Athlete and earning spots on the WCHA All-Academic Team and Academic All-Big Ten honors.
Olivia Knowles Family
Olivia Knowles was born to Darrell and Jonelle Knowles. She has one sibling, Jaret.
Personal Life
Olivia Knowles holds degrees in sport management and journalism from the University of Minnesota. She is also a fan of the Vancouver Canucks.