DETROIT \u2013 The year 2026 will be a hard one to beat for Kirsten Simms.<\/p>\n
The Plymouth native earned Olympic gold in women\u2019s hockey with Team USA and won back-to-back NCAA national titles at Wisconsin.<\/p>\n
\u201cSurreal\u201d is how Simms described the last few months to Local 4.<\/p>\n
This year of milestones is far from over.<\/p>\n
Next week, Simms will start her professional journey in the PWHL Draft as a projected first-round pick.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is what I\u2019ve wanted to do, to get to play professional hockey,\u201d Simms said. \u201cMaybe instead of a job interview, now it\u2019s like a hockey team interview. That\u2019s living the dream.\u201d<\/p>\n
The 21-year-old has a championship resume that speaks for itself, but the work continues on and off of the ice as she prepares for the opportunity of a lifetime — with a league that started at the right time.<\/p>\n
Simms began her college journey with the Badgers in 2022 with no clear idea of what hockey options would be available after her time at Wisconsin.<\/p>\n
\u201cI walked into college, and you didn\u2019t know what was next,\u201d Simms said. \u201cYou didn\u2019t want those four years to be up.\u201d<\/p>\n
In 2024, the PWHL started its first season. Giving players what Simms calls a \u201csustainable\u201d avenue to play the game at a professional level.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo see what it is today, it\u2019s unbelievable,\u201d Simms said.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow, there\u2019s something else for us, and there\u2019s something else for women\u2019s hockey players when they\u2019re done. That\u2019s something that\u2019s really cool and really special.\u201d<\/p>\n
This will be Simms\u2019 first year as a pro, and also the first season of her home state having a PWHL team.<\/p>\n
The league announced the addition of PWHL Detroit starting in the 2026-27 season last month.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m going to be extremely happy with wherever I end up,\u201d Simms said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt would be really cool to represent my state, my city and where I grew up. Whatever (happens) is going to be a dream come true, for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n
When draft day comes to Downtown Detroit, the moment will be a special occasion no matter which team takes her in the PWHL Draft.<\/p>\n
Simms ready to take the first step of her pro journey on the stage at the Fox Theatre in the place where it all began.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s just such a full circle moment,\u201d Simms said.<\/p>\n
The PWHL Draft is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17.<\/p>\n
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