Ball hockey icon Karen Levin synonymous with success

Among the cornerstones of USA Ball Hockey’s national women’s team, Karen Levin exemplifies dedication and loyalty.. Since joining the national team in 2015, Levin’s distinguished career has run parallel to a rise in prominence. With her familiar number nine adorning the back of her jersey, Levin maintained her celebrated standing as a prime time player. The 2024 ISBHF Worlds in Visp, Switzerland provided Levin with an opportunity to gain a celebrated place in program lore.

With a strong showing in the preliminary round, one particular match holds strong meaning for Levin. Defeating a strong team from Czechia, the victory foreshadowed future glories in the tournament for the US. Considering that it marked the second match of the day, a valiant effort saw Levin credited with the game’s opening goal.

Reflecting on said goal, Levin displays a very admirable integrity, acknowledging that it was actually an assist. Praising the efforts of long-time teammate Sarah Hughson, she explains the process towards finding the back of the net with great accuracy. Capitalizing on a power play opportunity, Levin’s strong playmaking ability served critical in obtaining the first lead of the game. 

“Although I do not know all the official stats, yet in almost every game, we scored first, (not in the round robin game versus Canada). Getting the first goal in any game is really comforting. In the Czechia game, the first goal was actually Sarah Hughson. I believe it was wrong on the scoresheet. I figured it would be changed at some point! I got the assist.

We were on the power play and working the ball around. I believe I had taken a shot from the point prior. So, when the ball came back around to me at the point, I pulled a player out, faked a shot and passed to Hughie. She collected the ball, shot and beat the goaltender.

Hughie getting that goal was amazing. That Czech round robin game was hard fought. We scored that goal on the power play. For a tournament like this, having an effective power play is essential. It brings energy and momentum to the team. The Czech game was our second game of the day and starting with the first goal was a huge boost to the group.”

Undoubtedly, Levin’s presence on the US roster over the years has proven equally boosting. Providing memorable performances in big games, Levin constantly gives her team a chance to win. Several highlights included scoring in overtime versus Slovakia in the semifinals of the 2019 ISBHF Worlds, allowing the US their second straight appearance in the gold medal game.

At the 2022 ISBHF Masters, Levin scored the game-winning goal versus Canada, allowing the women’s program their first-ever gold medal. With a tinge of serendipity, Levin was involved with another golden goal. Facing off versus Czechia for the gold medal in 2024, she collaborated with Becky Dobson, earning the assists on a goal by Emma Seitz. Proving to be the game-winner, the US blanked Czechia by a 3-0 mark, enjoying the first ISBHF World Championship in program history.

“Yes, that was a special assist. Opening the scoring in the gold medal game gave us a momentum boost. Plus, it provided a lot of energy to a team to a team that was determined to keep our foot on the gas pedal all tournament. (I had the game winner in 2022 for gold in the Masters, and a game winner in 2019 in OT against Slovakia to get to the gold medal game. Both are memorable as well.)”

As the impact of 2024 allows Levin the rare feat of a second gold medal in her distinguished career, allowing for a tremendous fulfillment, another subplot emerges. Joining treasured teammates Pam Bilger, Kat Helling and Meghan Lavery as the only American women with this rare double, the achievement is destined to set a glorious benchmark for future players.

Playing an important role in both gold medal winning goals, Levin enjoys an ascent into greatness. With nearly a dazzling decade spent in the States and Stripes, Levin’s evolution as leader and impact player ran parallel to the rise of the US as a perennial contender for a podium finish.

As this latest chapter represents a glorious one for Levin, allowing for an ascent into greatness, the bigger picture is just as prominent. Certainly, the pinnacle of gold provides elation, but the path allowed for context. Although USA Ball Hockey were starting to turn the corner in Levin’s first ISBHF appearance, struggles versus the traditional powers became a learning experience. While the heartbreak of the 2022 ISBHF Worlds felt like a step backwards, it served as a source of motivation. As the drive to succeed never wavered, essential in Levin’s competitive journey, the one constant was the feeling of gratitude which stemmed from wearing the Stars and Stripes.

“This was a feeling of excitement and relief. I have been on this team since 2015. In 2015, we had not yet medaled, and had never beaten any of the big three teams (Canada, Czechia, Slovakia). Seeing the progress of this program, beating Slovakia and Canada for the first time in 2017, and then the Czechs for the first time in 2019, taking home two silver medals, it has been a real journey. In addition, a few of the last tournaments have been a bit stressful. Therefore, I was hoping to come to 2024 and enjoy the journey. I was able to do that with my teammates.

Winning gold was overwhelming. I felt relieved and excited. I am grateful for all the unique experiences I have had playing on Team USA and for all my amazing teammates and coaches.”

“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”