The Olympics are around the corner, so we thought we'd get into the spirit of the 2022 Games by chatting with one of our own local Olympians, Sara DeCosta-Hayes. An ice hockey player from Warwick, Rhode Island, Sara is an alumna of Toll Gate High School, where she played goalie on the boy’s hockey team, and Providence College. She won a gold medal at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan, and a silver medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Upon return to Rhode Island, Sara co-founded Rhode Island Sting Girls Hockey in 2012 where she serves as a director, coach and mentor. Their annual Columbus Day Invitational continues to grow each year, with last year's drawing more than 120 teams across six age groups and included a skills clinic hosted in partnership with the Providence Bruins that featured Coach Melanie Ruzzi of Brown University’s Women's Hockey program and other girl's hockey coaches. Sara's efforts on and off the ice for girls' and women's sports in the Ocean State led to her receiving the Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England Leading Women of Distinction Award, which celebrates local accomplished women who exemplify the Girl Scout mission.
Here are some of her thoughts on her Olympic experience and what to watch during this year's Beijing Games.
What was the most memorable part of the Olympics?
Sara DeCosta-Hayes: Growing up watching the Olympics opening ceremony on television was one of the finest memories as a kid. But it is all so different when you are actually there. The opening ceremony is an incredible and amazing experience, wearing the Team USA, red white and blue outfit, walking out with, not just the hockey team, but all of the athletes who represent our country.
The first day you get there they put you in a huge room with tons of tables piled with the logo'd Team USA gear. As 19-year-old athletes, this is a dream. They give you enough clothes to last over two months. I still remember trying to ship it all home.
Women’s ice hockey was added to the Olympics in 1998 and you were part of the first team, which also won the first gold. You won a silver medal in 2002 as well. What was that journey like?
I was a junior in high school when they announced women’s hockey in the Olympics. Up until then, it was all just a dream, but suddenly it became a reality. I played with the boys my whole life and gained great experience from playing goalie for Toll Gate High.
With the Winter Olympics coming up what are you looking forward to most?
You definitely cannot miss the opening ceremony. It’s always exciting to see all the teams and athletes walk out into the stadium.
Other than ice hockey, what are some of the sports you love to watch during the Olympics?
I really love watching all the different sports at the Olympics. From bobsledding to snowboarding, and the always exciting short-track speed skating. The other aspect I really enjoy is the individual stories behind each athlete that they show.
What’s your prediction for Team USA this year?
I believe the women’s hockey team is the best it has been in years. Tons of incredible young talent — most of the girls are only 20 years old. I think they have what it takes to win gold.
Sara DeCosta-Hayes' Must-Watch List of the Winter Olympics
1. Opening ceremony
2. U.S. Hockey games
3. Bobsledding to snowboarding, it’s all so exciting
4. Can’t forget short-track speed skating — one of the most intense sports!
5. Watch for the incredible individual stories behind each athlete — all of their accomplishments to get to that point
6. Medal ceremony
