Across the storied history of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, countless student-athletes have left their mark on the ice and have continued to excel in their post-collegiate careers. In this special Alumni Spotlight series, the WCHA will highlight former players around the league who have made an impact and gone above and beyond in their respective professional careers.
In the 10th installment of this series, the WCHA spotlights former Wisconsin standout Sis Paulsen, a cornerstone of the Badgers’ inaugural era from 1999–2003. Paulsen, now the Head Equipment Manager for the Minnesota Frost and Team USA Women’s National/Olympic Team, built an exceptional collegiate career—appearing in 136 games, tallying 42 goals and 88 assists for 130 points, and earning All-WCHA honors twice.
Following her playing days, Paulsen launched an impressive coaching journey. She began as an assistant coach at Bemidji State (2003–06) and Minnesota State (2006–07) before taking the helm as Head Coach at New England College from 2007–2012. Paulsen later served as the Director of Hockey for the New Jersey Colonials (2012–17) and returned to Wisconsin as Director of Operations & Equipment Manager for the women’s program from 2017–2023. Since joining the Minnesota Frost in 2023, Paulsen has been a part of both Walter Cup championship teams.
How did playing college and or professional hockey prepare you for your current career?
Playing college hockey taught me hard work, dedication, time management, leadership, organizational skills, and how to be a good teammate and colleague.
What was your favorite memory from playing in the WCHA?
My favorite memory was being a small part of building the WCHA from the inaugural season.
What advice would you give to your college self?
Slow down & take it all in. Enjoy every minute, it goes by quickly.
What advice would you give to current WCHA players?
Trust the process.
What was the most rewarding part about playing in the WCHA?
Playing with and against the best players in the best league in the nation.
What do you know now that you wish you had known when you were playing?
I wish I had gotten to know more people from other teams. Learn their stories, where they came from, and what their dreams were. With the Frost and USA, I am lucky to work with some of the best players and get to learn about them, which makes working together so enjoyable. Watching these players succeed at such high levels makes me proud of the foundation that was laid back in 1999.
WCHA Alumni Spotlight Features
Abby Haluska, Bemidji State
Julianna Iafallo, Ohio State
Margot Miller, North Dakota
Emma Yanko, Minnesota Duluth
Gabby Billing, St. Thomas
Baylee Stevenson (Gillanders), Minnesota
Sadie Lundquist, Bemidji State
Sheri Hudspeth (Maisonneuve), Minnesota State
Rachel Herzog, St. Cloud State
For more information on the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, follow the league on X and Instagram @WCHA_WHockey, and online at wcha.com.