Olympic Gold Medalist and TPH Alumna Kirsten Simms Named First TPH Ambassador
From TPH Academy Detroit to the World Stage, Simms Returns to Inspire the Next Generation of Impact Players
TPH Academy is proud to announce Olympic gold medalist and University of Wisconsin standout Kirsten Simms as the organization's first-ever official TPH Ambassador, marking a significant milestone in TPH's 25-year commitment to developing the next generation of student-athletes.
A Plymouth, Michigan native, Kirsten Simms has established herself as one of the premier players in women's hockey. Before becoming an Olympic gold medalist, one of the top projected selections in the 2026 Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) Draft, and one of the sport's most recognizable young stars, Simms was a student-athlete at TPH Academy Detroit, where she balanced academics and elite hockey development while building the foundation for her future success. She went on to build a decorated career at the University of Wisconsin, helping lead the Badgers to three NCAA National Championships while earning two First-Team All-American honors, WCHA Player of the Year, WCHA Forward of the Year, and three Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award finalist selections.
While her list of accomplishments continues to grow, her impact reaches far beyond the ice.
"Kirsten is everything we hope our student-athletes become," shared Nathan Bowen, Founder of Total Package Hockey. "We've watched her grow from a student-athlete at TPH Academy Detroit into one of the top young players in the world, and we couldn't be more proud. She's a world-class athlete, but she's also an incredible teammate, leader, and person. That's what makes her such a powerful role model for our athletes. We are honored to have her represent TPH as our first-ever ambassador."
As a TPH Ambassador, Simms will work closely with athletes across the organization, with a special focus on mentoring and empowering girls in the game. Through camps, events, leadership opportunities, and ongoing engagement with student-athletes, she will help young players navigate their own journeys while sharing the lessons she has learned along the way.
Simms has already made an impact in that space. In 2024, she returned as the keynote speaker for TPH Academy's National Girls and Women in Sports Day event, where she encouraged student-athletes to embrace their own path.
"Trust the process. Everyone's path is different," Simms shared. "You may not always get the outcome you want, but if you stay committed to the work you put in every day, you'll get where you're supposed to be."
She also reflected on her own experience as a TPH student-athlete.
“You’re in a room every day with people who have the same goals as you and want to reach the same heights as you. Getting to be surrounded by people that have the same mindset every single day and are putting in that work just like you are – it’s super nice to have those people to lean on because it doesn’t feel like you’re doing it alone. They can push you harder, and you can push them.”
Now, she hopes to be that person for the next generation.
"Becoming TPH's first ambassador is really special because TPH was such an important part of my journey," said Simms. "It gave me the opportunity to grow not only as a hockey player, but as a person. I was surrounded by teammates, coaches, and mentors who pushed me to be my best every day, and those experiences have stayed with me throughout my career. I'm excited to give back, connect with young athletes, and hopefully help them build confidence and enjoy every step of their own journey."
That work begins June 26-28 at the 2026 TPH Girls Development and Mentorship Camp with Kirsten Simms at TPH Indianapolis. Athletes ages 6U through 19U will participate in elite on-ice instruction, leadership workshops, mental performance sessions, and mentorship opportunities designed to build confidence both on and off the ice. Registration is now open at totalpackagehockey.com.
For 25 years, TPH has believed hockey is a vehicle for something bigger. Naming Kirsten Simms as its first-ever ambassador reinforces that belief and celebrates what is possible when athletes are empowered to grow as competitors, students, leaders, and people.
About TPH Academy:
TPH Academy is an international, academy-style environment where dedicated student-athletes study, train, and play at their highest potential. TPH Academy’s core purpose is to lead the world in the holistic development of student-athletes, advancing — in and beyond the game — the next generation of impact players. Through a flexible, accredited academic model, onsite academic support, individualized planning, world-class coaching, and sport-specific training, TPH Academy equips student-athletes with the structure and support to pursue excellence without compromise. Learn more at TPH Academy and explore the 2024-2025 Impact Report.
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