With over two decades of competitive experience as an elite goaltender, Sarah Ahlquist-Schneider represents a combination of durability and dedication, defined by exceptional talent and a love of the game. Raised in South St. Paul, Minnesota, first tending goal in ringette, her legacy quickly took shape. Becoming the first girl to play for the boys’ high school varsity team in South St. Paul, her prodigious talents allowed her to excel.
Fast forward to the 1998-99 season, Ahlquist set the Minnesota girls’ high school state record for most shutouts in a season with 19, compiling a brilliant 26-2-0 won/loss mark. Graduating to the Ivy League level, gaining All-Ivy honors with the Princeton Tigers, there was another proud Minnesota connection. Raised in Loretto, Megan van Beusekom called her a teammate at Princeton. Serendipitously, post-graduation allowed both the opportunity to make their mark with a unique club.
Returning to the State of Hockey, Ahlquist-Schneider gained unique standing as a charter member of the legendary Minnesota Whitecaps, one of the most notable club teams in American hockey history. Of note, van Beusekom was the starting goalie when the Whitecaps captured the Clarkson Cup in 2010. Running parallel to this, Ahlquist also stood between the pipes for the Blue Js, enjoying six national amateur championships (2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014).
“Those days with the Whitecaps had some FUN memories. It was pretty cool to be the trailblazers for what ultimately has come about with the PWHL, 20 years later. Being part of the original 2004-05 team, we also practiced at the Xcel Energy Center!”
Continuing the championship trend, Ahlquist-Schneider even made her mark in the US men’s first division league. Guarding the crease for a team indentified by the sobriquet “Eagles”, 2018 signified a banner year. Gaining Playoff MVP honors, she proved essential in leading the Eagles to their first division playoff championship, culminating with a 1-0 shutout in the finals.
As the second half of Ahlquist-Schneider’s career has provided many memorable highlights, none tug at the heartstrings more than the opportunity to play internationally. Finding a renaissance in 2011, signifying her first chapter in the sport of bandy, her proficiency quickly gained notice. Earning a spot on the US national women’s team for the 2012 Bandy World Championships in Irkutsk, Russia, the experience propelled the distinguished goaltender into a much larger, more fascinating world.
Although bandy remains a nascent sport in America, the likes of Ahlquist-Schneider and her teammates taking on a role as pioneers, the impact of the game holds a profound impact in other corners. With the competitors from all nations gaining the rock star treatment at the 2012 Worlds, a sense of wonder and amazement made Ahlquist-Schneider’s first international experience a highly seminal moment. While defeating Norway proved a treasured highlight, the sense of friendship took on greater meaning.
“In America, obviously not too many people really know about bandy… but in Siberia, bandy is KING. When we got off the plane (after two full days of travel), there were television cameras and news crews waiting for us, as well as fans with gifts of chocolate and other trinkets. The novelty of that, coupled with the exhaustion of travel, honestly made it feel like we had landed on another planet.
The games featured thousands of fans, (despite subzero temps!) who were enthusiastically chanting and waving flags the whole time. It was such an incredible atmosphere, and the Siberian people were all so welcoming and friendly.
That tournament featured an epic 5th place game, which turned out to be historic for Team USA as we beat Norway, 2-1. Still to this day, it is the only time that the USWNT has defeated Norway. It was one of the most thrilling games that I have been a part of in any sport.
Also, in bandy, like soccer, there are “ball kids” who help collect the balls that go out of play. I will never forget how a troop of young Russian boys gathered behind my goal for almost the entire game. Each time that I would make a save, (including on a penalty shot late in the game!) they would cheer like crazy. As the game started winding down, with the US was clinging to a one-goal lead, they were chanting “U-S-A!” in unison. It was so beautiful. After we won the game, we invited several of the kids to jump into our team photo.”
As 2012 represented Ahlquist-Schneider’s first international experience in bandy, another monumental milestone occurred a decade later. Adding to her sterling resume, the gregarious goaltender enjoyed the opportunity to don the stars and stripes for USA Ball Hockey.
Contested in Kladno & Nove Straseci, Czech Republic, the 2022 ISBHF Women’s Masters allowed Ahlquist-Schneider an opportunity to be part of history. Marking the first time that the US women captured a gold medal in an ISBHF event, the impact of such an achievement also held a profound personal element.
Signifying the first international gold medal for Ahlquist-Schneider, reflections remain a source of residual warmth. Sharing duties with Liz Conner, their combined presence allowed the US the best goaltending duo in Masters play. Fittingly, both returned for the US at the 2023 edition of the Masters, held at River Works in Buffalo, NY.
During the preliminary round, Ahlquist-Schneider earned a pair of starts. Recording 15 saves in a 4-0 shutout win, as Kara Reeves scored the game winning goal, she continued her winning streak versus Great Britain. Prevailing in a 5-0 final, Karen Levin scored twice.
Beyond the win, aspects of friendship and support were just as meaningful. With family in attendance, one particular member proved an incredible source of inspiration. Her father-in-law, Buzz Schneider, also holds an exceptional hockey background. A two-time Olympian for the US, he was a member of the magical Miracle on Ice roster in 1980. His presence allowed for a strong sense of serendipity.
Proud to establish her own international legacy, it is part of a bigger story. Although the Olympic dream evaded the skilled Ahlquist-Schneider following her Princeton years, the ability to persevere stands as a source of inspiration.
Rewarded for her patience and hard work, the privilege of playing for the US in bandy and ball hockey, fulfillment and national pride were emergent themes for Ahlquist-Schneider. Also juggling her competitive endeavors with a coaching career at the high school level, equally focused on the growth of bandy, Ahlquist-Schneider has assembled an incredible body of work. more than a role model, but a sporting hero as well. Reflecting on the realization of achieving the plateau of international play, jubilation and gratitude encompasses Ahlquist-Schneider’s thoughts.
“It is an indescribable honor. When I was growing up, it was my goal to play for Team USA in ice hockey. I had a successful ice hockey career and I was definitely on USA Hockey’s radar back in the early 2000’s. Yet, the knock against me was always that I was “too small”. While I am certainly very thankful for all I accomplished in ice hockey, I never quite reached that ultimate goal.
Then, almost a decade after that dream fizzled out, bandy came along… and a decade after THAT, ball hockey came along. Now, I find myself having the opportunity to live out my “Team USA Dream” in TWO sports! It is surreal, really.
There is nothing like pulling on a jersey that says “USA” and representing the United States of America. I will never forget my first international bandy game, when the team huddled up for the first time before the game started and yelled, “1, 2, 3, U-S-A!” It just gives you chills!
When I heard our National Anthem played after competing in my first-ever ball hockey game, (a 5-0 victory over Great Britain in the 2022 Masters World Championship) I was standing with my teammates out under a moonlit Czech sky, arms around each other. Just such a moment!
I just feel so incredibly lucky and blessed to have had these opportunities come along. It goes to show that just because a dream does not work out exactly how you may have planned, that does not mean that it still cannot materialize in some other way. Plus, a long time after you would ever think that it would be possible! Never set age limits on your dreams!”
“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”
Images supplied by Sarah Ahlquist-Schneider
References: https://www.usabandy.com/news_article/show/1196410
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