TPH Academy is thrilled to release the latest episode of The Impact Player Podcast, featuring standout TPH Academy alumna and ambassador, University of Wisconsin hockey star, US Olympian, and PWHL 1st-round draft pick Kirsten Simms.

The Impact Player Podcast: Kirsten Simms on Olympic Gold, PWHL Draft, & Building an Impact Mindset provides student-athletes, parents, and hockey fans an inside look at what it takes to perform at the highest levels of elite athletics.

In this wide-ranging interview, Simms reflects on her journey from training at TPH Academy Detroit alongside her brother Billy, to developing an elite skill set through rigorous on-ice and classroom breakdown sessions. She candidly discusses overcoming adversity, including being cut from Team USA’s U23 roster, and how she turned that into fuel to earn a roster spot with the senior national team and Olympic gold.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

• Goal Setting & Discipline: Simms breaks down her hyper-focused goal-setting habits that started at age six, including keeping written goal lists on her wall and in seasonal notebooks.
• Transitioning from Boys to Girls Hockey: Insights on playing boys hockey through 8th grade to elevate her hockey IQ, speed, and decision-making before committing to Division I hockey at Wisconsin.
• Thriving in Clutch Moments: A look behind the scenes at her iconic NCAA Championship penalty shot and overtime-winning performance against Ohio State.
• The Future of Women's Professional Hockey: Simms shares her excitement about being selected 8th overall by PWHL Toronto in the PWHL Draft, training for professional competition, and targeting future Olympic appearances.
• Defining an Impact Player: What it means to balance academics, high-level sports, and leadership off the ice.

Watch / Listen to the Full Episode Here.

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 advance — in and beyond the game — the next generation of impact players. Through a flexible, accredited academic model, on-site 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 in the TPH Academy Impact Report.