Shayla Beaudette said it was always a dream of hers to play NCAA Division I hockey “at the highest level.”

That dream came closer to reality recently when the Aurora native committed to perennial national powerhouse Wisconsin, where she’ll start as a freshman in the fall of 2026.

“When I had the opportunity to talk to the coaches and visit Wisconsin, I knew it was the best fit for me,” said Beaudette. “Wisconsin is a great school that I know will set me up academically. They have unbelievable resources and are also consistently one of the best teams in the league. 

“I very much value academics and I know Wisconsin will support that and help me continue to learn and grow. I am looking forward to learning more of what interests me academically the next couple years to determine what I may want to study and pursue in the future.”

The Badgers have won seven national championships, the last one coming in 2023, and have four runner-up finishes, including the latest in 2024.

Back home, hockey was part of the family routine for Beaudette.

“My dad played hockey growing up as a kid and introduced it to my brother at a young age,” Beaudette said. “I’ve grown up in Aurora, and the nearest rink is Family Sports Center. I always remember how I used to run around the rink while either my brother practiced or my dad played his men’s league games. I eventually started skating then wanted to play hockey, and I immediately fell in love.”

Beaudette grew up playing boys hockey, first with the Arapahoe Warriors for two years and then at the Krivo School of Hockey Elite for seven years. She played one season for Team Colorado before heading out to play for the Bishop Kearney Selects in Rochester, N.Y.

“Playing youth hockey has taught me so much and I am so grateful for all the teammates and coaches I’ve had throughout the years,” said Beaudette. “This season, I will start my third year with the Bishop Kearney Selects and I will be on the 19U team where the goal is to win a national championship after losing in the finals last year. I feel strong about my game and know I will be an impactful defender to help the team.”

Looking forward, Beaudette has attainable goals, both on and off the ice.

“I am striving to grow and improve as a hockey player as much as I possibly can during my time here at BK,” Beaudette said. “Not just hockey, but I strive to become a better person and learn from everyone I come across in my life. I have goals of hopefully wearing the red, white and blue jersey and continuing to push myself to play at the highest level.”

Photo provided by Shayla Beaudette 

— Matt Mackinder

(August 27, 2024)