Angela Ruggiero
Angela Ruggiero
Full Name and Common Aliases
Angela Ruggiero is a renowned American hockey player, Olympic gold medalist, and sports executive.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on January 27, 1976, in New York City, New York. Currently active in her professional career.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Ruggiero holds dual citizenship of the United States and Canada. Her profession spans hockey player, Olympic athlete, team captain, and sports executive.
Early Life and Background
Angela Ruggiero grew up in a family that valued sports and physical activity. She began playing hockey at a young age, inspired by her brother who also played professionally. As a child, she faced challenges as an American girl trying to pursue a career in a sport traditionally dominated by boys. Her determination led her to excel on the ice, eventually earning a spot on the United States Women's National Hockey Team.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout her illustrious hockey career, Ruggiero earned numerous accolades:
Olympic Gold Medalist: She won four Olympic gold medals (1998, 2002, 2006, and 2010) with the US Women's National Hockey Team.
World Champion: Ruggiero was a part of three World Championship-winning teams (1999, 2001, and 2005).
Team Captain: She served as captain of both the US Women's National Hockey Team and the Montreal Stars in the Canadian Women's Hockey League.Notable Works or Actions
In addition to her on-ice accomplishments, Ruggiero has contributed significantly off the ice:
Sports Executive: She worked as a player development consultant for USA Hockey before being appointed as the organization's executive director.
Coaching Career: Ruggiero has coached at various levels, including serving as an assistant coach with the US Women's National Team and working as a head coach in the Canadian Women's Hockey League.Impact and Legacy
Angela Ruggiero's impact on women's hockey is multifaceted:
Trailblazer: She paved the way for future generations of female hockey players, inspiring girls to take up the sport.
Advocate: Through her work with USA Hockey and other organizations, Ruggiero has advocated for increased opportunities and resources for women in hockey.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Angela Ruggiero is widely quoted and remembered due to her:
Achievements on the Ice: Her impressive list of accolades serves as a testament to her hard work and dedication.
* Pioneering Spirit: As one of the first female players in professional hockey, Ruggiero's trailblazing spirit has earned her recognition as a true pioneer in the sport.
Her commitment to giving back to the game through coaching, consulting, and advocacy has cemented her status as a respected figure in women's hockey. Angela Ruggiero's inspiring story continues to motivate athletes and aspiring professionals around the world.
Quotes by Angela Ruggiero
I still love hockey. It’s just I’m at a different stage of my life and I think I’m just ready to grow in other ways outside of just being a hockey player.
I’m in the perfect position. It’s a sports position and a political position where I can help better the lives of athletes around the world.
The more I’ve done work with the IOC the more I’ve come to realize I’m really excited about this, the work that I’m doing and the impact that I can have if I’m fully committed to it.
I’m able to give a voice to the athletes around the world – use my degree for something other than the power play.
I find that I’ve tried to become a better hockey player every year and not just hold on. At the same time, I’ve also made it a point to increase or grow in some other area of my life. If I were just playing hockey, I would probably be done with the sport.
As a veteran, you’re a little more poised on that mental side. But athletically, I didn’t really think I could get better.
There were no women’s players I knew of. I didn’t even know women’s hockey existed.
It’s not about, ‘Let me play as long as I can so I don’t have to grow up.’ It’s about, ‘Let me play as long as I enjoy it,’ and when it’s time to step away, I can step away gracefully even if I’m still good enough to keep playing, because I’m ready for that next phase.
In a way, by being fully committed to the Olympic movement globally, I’m better able to promote women’s hockey and talk about women’s hockey and put a face to women’s hockey, to all the IOC members.