The Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award is the pinnacle of recognition in women's college hockey, awarded annually to the top NCAA NC player. Key selection criteria include athletic prowess, sportsmanship, and personal character. In 2026, Wisconsin's Caroline Harvey secured the award, making her the third defenseman to do so in the award's history. The award memorializes Patty Kazmaier, a former Princeton player who excelled in both athletics and academics before her untimely death in 1990.

By the Numbers
  • 29 total award recipients since its inception in 1998.
  • Wisconsin has produced seven winners, the highest of any institution.
State of Play
  • The most recent award was presented at the NCAA Women's Frozen Four in March 2026.
  • Selection involves a 13-member committee, including NCAA coaches and media representatives.
What's Next

As women's college hockey grows, expectations are for increasing competitiveness in the award race and possible changes in the nomination process for enhanced inclusivity.

Bottom Line

The Patty Kazmaier Award not only acknowledges outstanding individual talent but also honors the legacy of a trailblazer in women's hockey, reinforcing the importance of character and sportsmanship both on and off the ice.