Haley Winn is a Team USA Olympic defender and rising professional hockey star whose three older brothers have gone viral while cheering her on at the 2026 Winter Olympics. From backyard rink battles in upstate New York to the Olympic stage in Italy, Winn’s success has always been a family affair. Here’s what you need to know.
1. Haley Winn’s Brothers Were All College Hockey Defensemen
Winn grew up in Williamson and Webster, New York, alongside three older brothers — Casey Winn, Ryan Winn, and Tommy Winn — who all played college hockey. Casey skated at SUNY Brockport, Ryan played at Bowdoin College, and Tommy competed at SUNY Geneseo, via The Rochester Business Journal.
All four siblings played defense, a position Haley eventually embraced after starting as a forward. Her mother, Janet Winn, recalled the moment everything changed. After Haley chased down a fast break and stripped the puck, Janet thought, “I bet you they are going to switch her to defense.” Sure enough, Haley came home excited that her coach wanted her to play the same position as her brothers.
Her early development included playing on all-boys teams and battling her siblings on the family’s backyard rink. “They treated me like they treated each other,” Winn said. “They were pretty rough on me, and I’m happy they were. I wouldn’t have had it any other way.”
2. Haley Winn Says Her Olympic Journey Is ‘A Family Affair’
Winn’s parents, Mike and Janet Winn, flooded a backyard rink every winter, nurturing all four children’s love of hockey. Mike, a Clarkson University alum, passed along his passion for the sport even though he played baseball in college.
“It’s not just about me,” Winn said after being selected second overall in the 2025 Professional Women’s Hockey League draft by the Boston Fleet. “It’s about them, too. This definitely is a family affair. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them. I feel truly blessed.”
Her parents and brothers were in attendance when she was drafted and are in Italy supporting her Olympic run.
3. Haley Winn’s Brother Ryan Winn Has Built His Own Spotlight — and Went Viral
While Casey and Tommy stayed largely in the hockey world, Ryan Winn has built a creative career. He founded Winning Productions USA in 2023, a marketing firm specializing in creative direction, video production, and design.
Earlier this year, Ryan was cast in NBC’s competition series “On Brand with Jimmy Fallon.” He described the opportunity as “swinging in the big leagues and getting a chance to showcase what we do on a daily basis,” to the Democrat & Chronicle.
The brothers have also gone viral for matching outfits and energetic social media posts celebrating Haley’s victories, including Team USA’s gold at the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championships.
4. Clarkson Was Haley Winn’s Dream School
Despite offers from powerhouse programs, Winn chose Clarkson University, where her father attended. “Clarkson had always been, honestly, my dream school,” she said. “When the time came to make a decision, I definitely expanded my offers… But I just ended up feeling at home with Clarkson.”
At Clarkson, she became a two-time All-American and ECAC Player of the Year. Her relentless drive was evident early — she logged 35,000 practice shots during her freshman year alone.
“Haley’s always been extremely internally driven,” Mike said. “She never was someone who had to be pushed; she pushed herself.”
5. Haley Winn Embraces Her Role as a Role Model
Beyond medals, Winn values her platform. “Seeing all the little girls that look up to you… that kind of hits you,” she said. “They look up to you and that’s super special.”
Her Olympic journey — backed by a trio of hockey-playing brothers and devoted parents — reflects decades of shared effort and support.
Now, as Team USA competes in Italy, it is Haley’s brothers who are proudly looking up to her.
Haley Winn’s Brothers & Family: Five Fast Facts You Need to Know