Nicole Hensley

Nicole Hensley grew up in Lakewood, Colorado, and by the time she was 21 years old had already claimed three consecutive Colorado Sportswoman of the Year awards — earning induction into the Colorado Sportswomen of the Year Hall of Fame in 2015. That early recognition preceded a collegiate and international career that has placed her among the most decorated American goaltenders of her generation.

At Lindenwood University, Hensley compiled records that still stand in program history: she graduated as the all-time leader in saves (4,094), wins (30), save percentage (.921), minutes played (7,117:44), and shutouts (four). The College Hockey America conference recognized her repeatedly during that stretch — four times as an all-CHA selection, nine times as CHA Goalie of the Week, and four times as CHA Student Athlete of the Year. She also earned a spot on the all-CHA Academic team four times and was named a CoSIDA Academic All-American three times.

The national team call came alongside that collegiate career and has continued ever since. Hensley has appeared in six IIHF Women's World Championships with the U.S. Women's National Team, collecting gold medals in 2016, 2017, and 2023 and silver medals in 2021, 2022, and 2024. At the Olympic level, she was part of the Team USA roster that won gold at the 2018 Winter Games and returned to the Games in 2022, where the team earned silver.

Hensley has played for the Minnesota Frost in the PWHL and, per the Wikipedia cross-reference, has since moved to PWHL Las Vegas.

InGoal Magazine has covered Nicole Hensley in one podcast appearance. Kevin Woodley spoke with her on episode 242 of the InGoal Radio podcast ^[1], presented by The Hockey Shop Source for Sports.