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 16th installment of this series, the WCHA spotlights former Ohio State Buckeye Lauren Kohl, who is now serving as an Assistant Director of Development for The Ohio State University Department of Athletics.
After graduating in 2018, Kohl played professionally with Linköping Hockey Club in Sweden before beginning her career in education as a physical education teacher. The former Buckeye later returned to her alma mater at Ohio State to earn her master's and Ph.D. in Sport Management, with her research focusing on leadership and organizational culture in collegiate athletics. During that time, Kohl served as a Graduate Teaching Associate and later as Director of Operations for the Ohio State Women's Hockey program, where she was a part of the 2024 National Championship title team. Today, she now serves as an Assistant Director of Development for Ohio State Athletics, partnering with alumni and supporters to create transformational opportunities for student-athletes through philanthropy. "Looking back, every step of my journey has been influenced by the lessons, relationships, and opportunities that began during my time in the WCHA," said Kohl.
Read below on how Kohl's time at Ohio State and playing in the WCHA prepared her for her current career path and more.
How did playing college and/or professional hockey prepare you for your current career?
Hockey taught me that leadership isn't about having all the answers—it's about serving others, earning trust, and bringing people together toward a common purpose. As a student-athlete, I learned resilience, accountability, communication, and how to perform under pressure. Those lessons continue to guide me every day as I build relationships with alumni and donors who are passionate about investing in the future of Ohio State Athletics. The teamwork, discipline, and competitive mindset I developed through hockey have become some of my greatest professional strengths.
What was your favorite memory from playing in the WCHA?
Without question, it's the people. Some of my closest friendships were built through the countless hours spent together in the locker room, on the road, and competing against the best teams in the country. There was something special about wearing the Block "O," representing Ohio State, and working toward a shared goal with an incredible group of teammates. Those relationships are what I value most.
What advice would you give to current WCHA players?
Be fully present. It's easy to focus on the next game, the next season, or what's coming after hockey, but these years go by incredibly fast. Invest in your teammates, embrace every challenge, and take advantage of every opportunity your student-athlete experience provides. The skills you develop—leadership, resilience, teamwork, and communication—will serve you for the rest of your life, no matter where your career takes you.
What advice would you give to your college self?
Trust the journey. Not every opportunity or setback will make sense in the moment, but each experience is preparing you for something greater. I would remind myself to enjoy the process, celebrate the small moments, and have confidence that the relationships and experiences I'm building will shape a career I couldn't have imagined.
What was the most rewarding part about playing in the WCHA?
Competing in one of the premier conferences in women's college hockey pushed me to become a better athlete, teammate, and leader. Every weekend challenged us to be at our best, and that competitive environment prepared me for success long after my playing career ended. It was a privilege to compete alongside and against some of the best players in the game.
What do you know now that you wish you had known when you were playing?
I wish I had realized that hockey was preparing me for much more than life on the ice. The leadership, resilience, teamwork, and relationships I developed would become the greatest assets in my career. Looking back, I now see that the impact of being a student-athlete extends far beyond the final game—it shapes how you lead, how you serve others, and how you approach every opportunity that follows.
WCHA Alumni Spotlight Features
Kailee Pichetti (Skinner), Minnesota Duluth
Audrey and Madeline Wethington, Minnesota
Anna Erickson, St. Thomas
Makayla Langei, Bemidji State
Sofia Even (Poinar), Minnesota State
Sis Paulsen, Wisconsin
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.