Born: 1980 (Panorama City, CA)
Biography:
Angela Marie Ruggiero, born on January 3, 1980, is an American former ice hockey defenseman, gold medalist, and four-time Olympian. Throughout her career, Ruggiero made significant contributions to the sport of ice hockey and was widely recognized as one of the greatest female players of her time. Not only did she excel on the ice, but she also played an influential role in the development of women’s ice hockey and worked tirelessly to promote gender equality in sport.
Hailing from Panorama City, CA, Ruggiero grew up in Sylmar and later moved to Simi Valley, California. It was there that she discovered her passion for hockey and embarked on a remarkable journey that would see her leave an indelible mark on the sport. Ruggiero honed her skills at Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, Connecticut, where she played prep school hockey. Even at a young age, her talent and determination set her apart from her peers.
In 1998, at the age of 18, Ruggiero made history by becoming the youngest member of the United States Olympic Hockey Team. The team went on to win the gold medal in Nagano, Japan, marking the beginning of Ruggiero’s illustrious Olympic career. Over the course of four successive Winter Olympic Games, she would go on to win two silver medals in 2002 and 2010, as well as a bronze medal in 2006. However, it was her gold medal win in 1998 that solidified her place in Olympic history and showcased her exceptional skills as a defenseman.
Ruggiero’s accomplishments were not limited to the Olympic stage; she also excelled on the international level. She competed in ten Women’s World Championships, winning an impressive four gold medals and six silver medals. Ruggiero’s exceptional defensive abilities earned her recognition as the Best Defenseman twice at the Olympics and four times at the World Championships. Her dominance on the ice was widely acknowledged, and she was hailed as the best player in the NCAA and the world by The Hockey News.
Notably, Ruggiero’s impact extended beyond her playing career. She served as a member of the International Olympic Committee from 2010 to 2018 and was elected as the Chairperson of the IOC Athletes’ Commission in 2016, representing Olympic athletes worldwide. Ruggiero used her platform to advocate for gender equality in sports, working towards creating equal opportunities for women athletes. Her efforts made a significant impact on the role of women in sports and furthered the movement for gender equity.
In recognition of her remarkable achievements, Ruggiero received numerous prestigious awards and honors. In 2015, she was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, becoming the fourth woman and second American woman to receive this honor. She is also a member of the USA Hockey Hall of Fame (2015) and the IIHF’s Hall of Fame (2017). Ruggiero’s legacy continues to inspire future generations of female hockey players and stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and determination.
Awards:
– Gold Medal: 1998 Winter Olympics (Nagano, Japan)
– Silver Medal: 2002 Winter Olympics (Salt Lake City, Utah)
– Silver Medal: 2010 Winter Olympics (Vancouver, Canada)
– Bronze Medal: 2006 Winter Olympics (Torino, Italy)
– Four Gold Medals: Women’s World Championships
– Six Silver Medals: Women’s World Championships
– Best Defenseman: Olympics (twice)
– Best Defenseman: Women’s World Championships (four times)
– Patty Kazmaier Award: 2004 (top player in U.S. women’s collegiate hockey)
– US Olympic Committee’s Player of the Year