In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Tiana McIntyre, captain and senior defender for the University of Delaware Division I women’s hockey team, whose journey is anything but linear. As Tiana reminds us, “Development is up and down; it’s never static.” From her beginnings in Park City, Utah, to becoming a standout collegiate athlete, Tiana’s story highlights the resilience, passion, and community support that have shaped her path.

We explore how her multi-sport upbringing fueled her evolution as a hockey player, what it meant to represent Utah at national camp, and how coaching alongside women’s hockey legends broadened her vision for the sport. Tiana also shares her commitment to growing the game and the importance of strong role models for the next generation of players.

Tiana McIntyre is one of the captains and a senior defender for the University of Delaware's Division I women's hockey team. McIntyre is from Park City, Utah, and is a graduate of Park City High School. Majoring in Psychology, McIntyre brought her talents to collegiate hockey after developing with the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite program, becoming both the first female hockey player from Utah to make the USA National Camp and the first from the state to play Division I hockey. During the 2024–25 season at Quinnipiac, she appeared in 36 games, registering 21 shots on goal and blocking 16 shots. In 2023–24, she played in 30 games, recording two assists, a plus-6 rating, eight blocked shots, and her first collegiate point in the season opener against Maine on Sept. 29. As a freshman in 2022–23, she appeared in 10 games, contributing to a roster that captured two Nutmeg Classic titles and made an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2023. A multi-sport athlete in high school, McIntyre also competed in lacrosse and ski racing. Athletic excellence runs in the family—her father, Jeff, played baseball at Oklahoma State, and her mother, Tania, played basketball at St. Cloud State.

Takeaways:

1. Tiana McIntyre's journey from Park City, Utah, to collegiate hockey exemplifies the importance of perseverance and commitment in pursuing a passion for sports.
2. Playing multiple sports during youth, such as skiing and lacrosse, significantly contributed to Tiana's development as a skilled hockey player.
3. The support from family and community has been paramount in Tiana's hockey journey, underscoring the importance of teamwork and encouragement in achieving athletic success.
4. Tiana emphasizes the necessity of transitioning to girls' hockey at an early age to adapt to the unique dynamics and pace of the women's game.
5. The inaugural puck drop for the University of Delaware's women's hockey program marked a historic moment, signifying a commitment to advancing women's sports in the community.
6. Tiana emphasizes the importance of mental preparation, visualization, and support systems in achieving success, both as an athlete and a leader.

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