Triple Threat: Caroline “KK” Harvey Masters the Balance Between Wisconsin and Team USA

Caroline “KK” Harvey is currently redefining the term “busy.” The national champion defender is navigating an extraordinary season, split between her senior year with the Wisconsin Badgers and her high-stakes duties with Team USA. As the world turns its attention to the ice, Harvey’s journey is a testament to the discipline required to compete at the absolute pinnacle of both collegiate and international sports.

The momentum began with Wisconsin’s epic 2025 National Championship win and continued through the World Championships, where Harvey was honored as the Best Defender. Since then, she has been in a constant state of motion, bouncing between Madison, Canada, and Cleveland to train. Despite the logistical hurdles, she remains an academic and athletic force, leading the Badgers with 37 assists and 54 points in just 26 games before departing for final preparations in Italy.

The Power of Peer Support

While the pressure of balancing two elite rosters and a full course load is immense, Harvey is not navigating this “expedition” alone. She is joined on the national roster by Wisconsin teammates Laila Edwards, Kirsten Simms, and Ava McNaughton. This small “crew” of Badgers provides a vital support system as they transition between the college game and the international stage.

“It’s been nice to have each other throughout this whole process,” Harvey says. The familiarity of her teammates allows her to maintain a level head, a trait she developed as the youngest player on the 2022 Olympic roster. Now a veteran leader, she brings that “cool-minded” approach back to Wisconsin, serving as a stabilizing force during the Badgers’ most intense moments.

Mentorship from a Legend

Harvey’s growth has been significantly influenced by former Badger star and hockey icon Hilary Knight. Harvey frequently points to Knight’s ability to “take over a game” as a blueprint for her own development. Whether it was Knight’s legendary hat trick at the World Championships or her calm demeanor on the bench during back-and-forth games, the mentorship has been pivotal.

Knight, in turn, has high praise for the young defender. “(KK has) done phenomenally so far,” Knight says. “She has just been a dominant force for so long.” This mutual respect between the veteran and the rising star has created a formidable leadership core for the national team.

Shifting the Mindset

Entering her second Olympic cycle, Harvey admits she is a completely different person than the 19-year-old who competed in Beijing. The college experience has matured her, allowing her to toggle between the “different lenses” required for her two teams.

“When we’re with the Badgers, I tune into that team, but then when we come back to training, it’s a different lens,” Harvey explains. “You have to be able to switch mindsets—different roles, different leadership on both teams.” With 6 power-play goals and a dominant presence on the blue line, her personal goal remains clear: leaving the ice with a gold medal around her neck.