Taylee Manion, a Hermantown native and the 2026 Duluth News Tribune All‑Area Girls Hockey Player of the Year, has announced her intention to play Division I hockey for the University of Minnesota’s Golden Gophers. The commitment marks the culmination of a high‑school career that combined elite defensive play with national recognition.
From Maplewood to the World Stage
After spending her junior year at Hill‑Murray School in Maplewood, Manion helped the Proctor/Hermantown high school program secure its sixth consecutive Class A state tournament appearance in 2025‑26. Her performance on the blue line was a key factor in the team’s sustained success.
Manion’s international résumé includes a gold medal with Team USA at the 2026 IIHF U‑18 Women’s World Championship in Nova Scotia. She contributed three assists during the tournament and was noted as the youngest player on the American roster, underscoring her rapid rise.
A Future in the Twin Cities
The pledge to the Golden Gophers comes with the possibility of deferring enrollment under NCAA rules, allowing Manion to potentially join the program for the 2028‑29 season while continuing to develop with the national team. This pathway reflects both athletic ambition and academic planning.
The local coaching landscape has also shifted; after Emma Stauber stepped down in 2021, Kennedy Erickson assumed the role of head coach at Proctor/Hermantown, guiding the program through a period of transition and maintaining its competitive edge.
Beyond hockey, Manion intends to pursue a degree at the University of Minnesota, where she will join a campus renowned for its academic rigor and vibrant community in the Twin Cities. Her scholarship offer underscores the university’s interest in blending athletic talent with scholarly achievement.