THE OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST WHO BECAME ONE OF WOMEN'S HOCKEY'S MOST INFLUENTIAL VOICES
Hilary Knight
b. 1989 · Athlete
Early Life
Hilary Knight was born on July 12, 1989, in Sun Valley, Idaho, and raised in Palos Verdes Estates, California, where she began playing hockey at a young age despite the sport's limited presence in Southern California.
She attended the University of Wisconsin, where she became one of the most decorated players in college hockey history, helping lead the Badgers to multiple national championships.
Rise to Fame
Knight established herself as one of the top forwards in the U.S. Women's National Team program, making her mark internationally through the late 2000s and early 2010s with her physical, high-scoring style of play.
She helped Team USA win silver medals at the 2010 Vancouver and 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, building a reputation as one of the most dominant and recognizable players in women's hockey.
Career Highlights
Knight was a key member of the U.S. team that won the gold medal at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, defeating Canada in a dramatic shootout after decades of Olympic near-misses, and she added a silver medal at the 2022 Beijing Games.
She has also been a leading advocate for professional women's hockey, playing a central role in the movement that led to the formation of the Professional Women's Hockey League, where she continues to compete.
Personal Life
Knight has used her platform to advocate publicly for equitable pay and better opportunities for women in professional hockey, becoming one of the sport's most outspoken figures on the issue.
She has remained closely connected to youth hockey development, frequently working to grow the game and expand access for young players, particularly young women.
Net Worth & Legacy
Hilary Knight's net worth is estimated in the low millions of dollars, built through her professional hockey career, national team stipends, and endorsement deals.
From a California kid playing an unlikely sport to an Olympic gold medalist and a driving force behind professional women's hockey, Knight has built a legacy as one of the most influential figures in the history of the sport.