Rising Stars in the Classroom and on the Ice
Ava McNaughton, a junior goaltender from Seven Fields, Pennsylvania, and Lacey Eden, a graduate forward and co‑captain from Annapolis, Maryland, were both selected to the College Sports Communicators Academic All‑America Women’s At‑Large team, underscoring their combined scholarly and athletic prowess.
McNaughton’s 1.35 goals‑against average topped the nation this season, earning her All‑WCHA Second Team honors and the Most Outstanding Player award at the NCAA Tournament, while she also contributed to Team USA’s gold‑medal victory at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Eden led the country in scoring with a career‑high 77 points, was named to the ACHA First‑Team All‑American roster, and was drafted fifth overall in the inaugural Professional Women’s Hockey League Draft to the Las Vegas franchise.
Academic Excellence Meets Athletic Prowess
Both athletes maintain impeccable academic records — McNaughton carries a 3.87 cumulative GPA as a biochemistry major, whereas Eden completed a master’s degree in Sports Leadership with a perfect 4.0 GPA.
Their dual achievements reflect a growing trend of elite student‑athletes who excel in high‑pressure environments, setting a benchmark for future generations and reinforcing the Badgers’ reputation on the national stage.