Olympic Goalie Visits Holy Family School

Brianne McLaughlin-Bittle, one of the three goaltenders on the 2010 and 2014 United States Women’s Olympic Hockey Team, brought her two silver medals to Holy Family School on Monday, March 10, 2014 and spoke to the students about the importance of working hard to attain goals both athletically and academically. Mrs. McLaughlin-Bittle spoke of her hockey experiences which began prior to entering kindergarten. Inspired by her brother, she wished to “play hockey with the boys” rather than learn figure skating.  It was not until her college years at Robert Morris University that she began playing on an all-women’s team. Students listened to Mrs. McLaughlin-Bittle’s journey to become a member of the 2010 and 2014 Women’s Team as well as her experiences in Sochi, Russia and Vancouver, Canada. They also were able to hold her two silver medals.

Mrs. McLaughlin-Bittle ended her talk to the students by stressing the importance of doing well academically. “I would never have gone to the Olympics if I did not go to Robert Morris,” she stated, “and I would not have gotten into the university if I had low scores on my college entrance tests. It’s important that you do well in school now and always do your best.” The Holy Family students thanked her for coming to the school and sharing her experiences with them by enthusiastically cheering “U.S.A.!  U.S.A.!  U.S.A!”