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 fifth installment of this series, the WCHA is highlighting former St. Thomas center Gabby Billing. Billing, who graduated in 2023 from St. Thomas, now serves as the Hockey Partnerships Coordinator for the Minnesota Wild.
After spending her first four seasons of her collegiate career at Dartmouth, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Brain Sciences, Billing transferred to St. Thomas for her final season in the fall of 2022. During the 2022-23 season at St. Thomas, Billing skated in all 36 games for the Tommies while recording five goals and five assists on the season. While skating for the Tommies, Billing also attended the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business, where she earned her graduate certificate in Transformational Change and Organizational Development.
How did playing college and or professional hockey prepare you for your current career?
Playing college hockey taught me discipline, teamwork, and time management skills — all of which have been invaluable in my career. It also taught me resilience and how to push through adversity, both physically and mentally. Whether it was bouncing back from a tough loss, recovering from injury, or managing a demanding schedule of practices, games, and academics, I learned how to stay focused and keep a positive mindset. These experiences continue to serve me every day while working for the Minnesota Wild. We work a busy schedule here and juggle a lot of tasks at once. My background in hockey prepared me to thrive in this fast-paced environment, communicate effectively with a team, and stay composed under pressure — all while maintaining a strong work ethic and passion for what I do.
What was your favorite memory from playing in the WCHA?
My favorite WCHA memory is when we upset the University of Minnesota Duluth in a shootout while they were ranked 7th. It was a historic win — the first time St. Thomas defeated a nationally ranked opponent!
What advice would you give to current WCHA Players?
My advice to current WCHA players is to embrace every moment — both the highs and the lows. I learned more from the challenges than the victories, and I’m truly grateful for how those experiences have shaped me both professionally and personally. The time goes by faster than you think, and every practice, game, and moment with your teammates is an opportunity to grow. Most importantly, enjoy the journey and remember how fortunate you are to play college hockey. You’re part of a small percentage of athletes who get this opportunity — don’t take it for granted.
What advice would you give your college self?
One piece of advice I’d give to my college self is to say “yes” more often. Say yes to going on that hike with friends, yes to late-night movies, and yes to spontaneous day trips exploring beyond campus. There were countless times when I thought I was too busy or too stressed to take part in these experiences, and looking back, I wish I had been more open to embracing them. College is such a unique time filled with opportunities to create lasting memories, build friendships, and grow outside of academics and athletics. Saying yes more often not only enriches your college experience but also helps you develop a balanced life, making the most of every moment before it passes by. Don’t let the pressure of your schedule keep you from enjoying the journey.
What was the most rewarding part about playing in the WCHA?
The most rewarding part about playing in the WCHA was competing at such a high level with such a great group of girls. The league is filled with talented, well-coached teams, so it pushed me to elevate my game every day. It was incredibly fulfilling to represent my school in such a competitive environment and to be part of a conference with such a rich history in college hockey. The friendships, challenges, and growth I experienced during that time are things I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were playing?
You are so much more than a hockey player, and there will come a time when hockey is no longer the central part of your identity. While I’m fortunate to still work in the sport after playing for 20 years, my relationship with hockey has evolved significantly. I now see it from a completely different perspective — not just as a game or competition, but as a meaningful chapter in my life that helped shape who I am today. Hockey was a huge part of my journey, but it’s only one part of a much bigger picture. Understanding this has allowed me to grow personally and professionally, appreciate the broader opportunities ahead, and embrace new challenges with confidence beyond the rink.
For more information on the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, follow the league on X and Instagram @WCHA_WHockey, and online at wcha.com.