5 Illinois Athletes Qualify For Next Month’s Winter Olympics

It kind of got lost a little bit as we all celebrated the holiday season, but the Winter Olympics are coming soon to give us something to focus on during the normally sports-quiet month of February.

The Winter Olympic Games, also called Milano-Cortina 2026, go on from February 6th-22nd in northern Italy, and a proud moment is unfolding for Illinois sports fans. At least five athletes with strong Illinois ties have already earned their way onto Team USA’s roster for the Winter Olympics, and they’re ready to compete on sport’s greatest winter stage.

The summer Olympics have to compete with nice weather for viewers, but that's not the case when the winter games hit in February when many of us are inside and under a blanket.

Ice Hockey Stars From The Land Of Lincoln

Illinois has a rich tradition of producing hockey talent, and this year is no exception. Three standout players from around the state have secured spots on the U.S. Women’s Ice Hockey Team:

• Tessa Janecke, 21, from Warren: A forward known for her speed and playmaking, Janecke brings youth and intensity to a U.S. squad that’s expected to contend for gold.

• Kendall Coyne Schofield, 33, of Palos Heights: A veteran presence and fan favorite, Coyne Schofield is one of the best-known names in women’s hockey. Her leadership and experience will be vital as Team USA goes for gold.

• Abbey Murphy, 23, from Evergreen Park: Making her second Olympic appearance after competing in Beijing, Murphy continues to shine as a fierce competitor on both ends of the ice.

On the Paralympic side, two more Illinois athletes have punched their tickets to Milano-Cortina in Para ice hockey (sled hockey):

• Brody Roybal, 27, of Northlake: A veteran sled hockey standout, Roybal has been a powerful and inspirational figure in adaptive sports.

• Josh Misiewicz, 37, from LaGrange: With an impressive athletic pedigree and experience on the ice, Misiewicz brings leadership and resilience to the U.S. Paralympic sled hockey team.

So when the Winter Olympics roll around early next month and you find yourself flipping on a hockey game from Italy, listen closely. Out there on the ice will be some Illinoisans who put in early mornings, long drives, cold rinks, and a whole lot of heart. And no matter how the medals shake out, that’s something worth cheering for.