Imagine a world where the precision of civil engineering meets the fast-paced intensity of ice hockey. Sounds unlikely, right? But that’s exactly the story of Sophie Jaques, a rising star blending her engineering expertise with her passion for the sport as she aims for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics. When Sophie first enrolled in Ohio State University’s civil engineering program, she never dreamed her degree would one day influence her performance on the ice. Yet, here she is, proving that the problem-solving and adaptability she honed in the classroom are now her secret weapons as a defender on the rink.
Sophie’s journey began with a simple love for math and science, which naturally led her to engineering. “What I loved most about civil engineering is how directly applicable it is to everyday life,” she shared in an exclusive interview with Olympics.com. But her degree hasn’t just shaped her academic career—it’s transformed her approach to hockey. “Civil engineering taught me to stay calm under pressure and think critically in fast-changing situations,” Sophie explained. “That mindset carries over into my game, helping me stay level-headed and adaptable on the ice.”
But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a field as structured as civil engineering truly enhance a sport as unpredictable as ice hockey? Sophie’s answer is a resounding yes. Her ability to analyze complex scenarios, a skill she refined while studying transportation systems—think roadway design, traffic flow, and lane widths—has given her a unique edge. While she’s not mapping out traffic patterns during a game, the analytical mindset she developed has become her superpower. “It’s about seeing the bigger picture and making quick adjustments without fear of failure,” she said.
And this is the part most people miss: Sophie’s engineering background has also fueled a surprising dream. “One of my ultimate goals is to design the transportation system for an Olympic village,” she revealed. Picture this: a layout that minimizes travel time for athletes, maximizes public transport efficiency, and keeps road congestion to a minimum. It’s a vision that combines her passion for engineering with her love for the Olympics.
But before she tackles that project, Sophie has another dream to chase: earning her spot on the Canadian women’s ice hockey team. Her first taste of representing Canada came at the 2025 World Championships, where her team took home silver after a hard-fought final against the United States. “That silver medal lit a fire in me,” Sophie admitted. “It made me realize how much I want to get back there—and this time, to win. It opened my eyes to the possibility of becoming an Olympian, and I’d be honored to represent my country on that stage.”
Playing alongside legends like Marie-Philip Poulin has been both inspiring and humbling. “It’s surreal to think that someone I’ve looked up to since watching the Vancouver 2010 Olympics is now my teammate,” Sophie said. Those Olympic memories—watching both the women’s and men’s teams win gold—have stayed with her, shaping her own aspirations.
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: As women’s hockey continues to rise, how much of its growth can be attributed to leagues like the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL)? Sophie credits the PWHL with elevating the sport, both for players and fans. “The PWHL has made everyone better,” she said. “It’s given us more opportunities to compete at the highest level, and it’s created role models for young girls who dream of playing professionally.”
The league’s impact extends beyond individual players, too. With the 2026 Winter Olympics falling mid-PWHL season, Sophie predicts Milano Cortina will host the most competitive women’s ice hockey tournament ever. “Every country is going to bring their best, and it’s going to be incredible to watch,” she said.
Sophie’s own game has evolved significantly, particularly defensively. By refining details like stick positioning and blade angles, she’s become a more effective player. “You have to stay calm when defending against the best forwards in the world, or you’ll get exposed,” she explained. Once again, her engineering mindset has proven invaluable.
After two historic seasons with the Minnesota Frost, where she helped win the first two Walter Cup trophies, Sophie recently joined the Vancouver Goldeneyes, one of the PWHL’s new expansion teams. “Winning the first-ever Walter Cup is something nobody can take away from us,” she said. “It’s a moment I’ll cherish forever.”
Now, as she chases her Olympic dream, Sophie can’t help but imagine walking into her first Olympic village—not just as an athlete, but as a future engineer. “Maybe one day, I’ll be the one designing it,” she said with a smile. And who’s to say she won’t? After all, Sophie Jaques has already proven that the line between engineering and ice hockey isn’t as thin as it seems. What do you think? Can skills from one field truly transform performance in another? Share your thoughts in the comments!
