Winter Olympics 2026

Haley Winn’s brothers send the Team USA’s hockey star an emotional message before the gold medal match

As Haley Winn prepares to play for gold for Team USA, her three biggest fans sent her an emotional voicemail to remind her how far she has come.

As Haley Winn prepares to play for gold for Team USA, her three biggest fans sent her an emotional voicemail to remind her how far she has come.
KATIE STRATMAN
Jennifer Bubel
Sports Journalist, AS USA
Sports journalist who grew up in Dallas, TX. Lover of all things sports, she got her degree from Texas Tech University (Wreck ‘em Tech!) in 2011. Joined Diario AS USA in 2021 and now covers mostly American sports (primarily NFL, NBA, and MLB) as well as soccer from around the world.
Update:

Haley Winn is about to take the ice for the biggest game of her life. The 22-year-old ice hockey defenceman will suit up for Team USA in the gold medal matchup against Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics, the very stage she’s dreamed about since she was a little girl wobbling across the ice in oversized hockey gear.

Although she’s represented the United States in multiple IIHF World Championships (winning gold in both 2023 and 2025), this is her Olympic debut. And as she prepares to battle for gold, she has three longtime supporters reminding her just how far she’s come.

“We’ve watched you on skates before you could even walk”

In an emotional video that will pull at your heartstrings, Winn’s three brothers, Casey, Ryan, and Tommy, left their little sister a voicemail that traces her journey from childhood skates to the Olympic spotlight.

The video opens with home footage of a tiny Winn shuffling across the ice, her mom cheering from behind the camera: “Go, girl! Get those feet under you!”

Then her brothers’ voices take over.

“Hey, Bugs. What’s up? It’s your brothers,” they begin, using her longtime nickname. “We’ve watched you on skates before you could even walk and listened to you talk about your dreams of becoming an Olympian since the first time you were asked. Now you’re living it.”

They praised not just her talent, but her character. The way she handles pressure, the way she smiles through adversity, and the love she brings to those around her.

“You continue to impress us daily,” they said. “Your ability to handle pressure. Your ability to smile through it all. And your ability to love through it all.”

“You will always be our champion”

As the message continues, their pride is unmistakable.

“Continue to trust yourself through the toughest moments and the highest highs,” they told her. “You deserve everything that’s coming. The U.S. women’s hockey team deserves everything that’s coming too. You’ve worked so hard.”

They ticked through the sacrifices - thousands of shots, endless hours in the weight room, early mornings and the commitment required to compete at the highest level.

And in a line that’s sure to hit home for any sibling, they added, “We’re sorry we have to be loud sometimes in our support. We just can’t help ourselves.”

But perhaps the most touching moment came near the end.

“No matter the outcome of these games, it doesn’t change who you are. You have three older brothers that now look up to you. You will always be our champion.”

And cue the tears. The video closes the same way it began, with footage of a young Winn gliding across the ice, fearless and determined, her mother proudly telling her she doesn’t even need the bucket for support, as she’s able to stand on her own without it.

Now, years later, she’ll step onto Olympic ice with a gold medal on the line, and three older brothers cheering louder than ever.

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