Decker grew up idolizing role models like Cammi Granato, captain of the U.S. women’s hockey team that won a gold medal in the 1998 Winter Olympics, in addition to Angela Ruggiero, who was also part of that ’98 team that claimed the top spot in Nagano, Japan.
“Being able to meet them when we were younger was huge for us and it was a great opportunity to have that immediate role model,” Decker said. “That’s what we’re trying to do every single day around our training schedule and tournaments. We want to be able to meet girls, so that they have that actual role model in sight. I think to be able to meet us goes a long way.”
Decker is also having an impact on the current generation.
Decker will be an assistant coach for the U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team for the second straight year. She made her debut behind the bench at the 2018 Under-18 Series against Canada and helped the U.S. to a silver medal at the IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship earlier this year.
“I love being able to work with that age group,” Decker said. “They’re so driven and they’re going to be the girls who are going to fill our shoes someday. Having the opportunity to coach them and work with them … I’m definitely thankful for it.”
But Decker’s playing career is far from finished.
The 28-year-old is a two-time Olympic medalist and a six-time Women’s World Championship gold medalist with Team USA, which captured a fifth straight world title in April.
“Right now, I’m just looking forward to this year,” Decker said. “I’m trying not to look too far ahead. As far as coaching, I definitely see a future in that as well, whether I’m still working with the Under-18 team or higher up in USA Hockey at some point further down the road. I would love it.”
Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.
