Tina Scalese ’26: The Path to Victory

Groton Girls Varsity Hockey captain Tina Scalese ’26 returned to the Circle in late January as a world champion representing Team USA. As a prominent figure on the ice rink, Tina has been a part of the Girls Varsity Hockey (GVH) program since she arrived on the Circle in Second Form. During her time on the team, GVH has made program history several times, making the Elite 8 tournament for the first time last season. Currently standing at tenth in NEPSAC and first in the Small School tournament, GVH continues to work hard for a chance to compete in the Elite 8 for the second consecutive year. As a GVH captain, Tina’s contributions to the program have been essential and are worthy of commendation. Tina is committed to Princeton University and will compete for their women's hockey program as part of the Class of 2030.

Tina’s hockey journey began at two years old, when she first stepped onto an ice rink. She has little recollection of when she began playing hockey and jokes that she has played since she could hold a stick. Over the years, USA Hockey has remained part of Tina’s life as she progressed through age groups. The journey to becoming a world champion was not simple. To contend for a spot on the USA hockey team, players are invited to numerous camps at which they have to work hard to earn a spot on the final roster. After being cut from a development camp, Tina was determined to make her way onto the team, and she did. Tina’s previous elimination made her even more surprised and excited by her success. Failure acted as a catalyst for ambition, and it served her well as she fought her way back through camp and onto the USA Under-18 Women’s National Team.

Team USA’s success at the 2026 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Under-18 Women’s World Championship in Nova Scotia was outstanding, as they went undefeated and won the title. The tournament began with an exceptional performance against Slovakia, 13–0, with Tina contributing two goals. The team played five games to advance to the finals, putting up impressive scores in each matchup. The success of the team was not due solely to individual talent but to the bond between teammates that created flawless chemistry. Tina described the team culture as having an “uplifting spirit and supportive atmosphere.” In the previous year, Team USA finished second in the tournament. Tina says such circumstances added “fuel to the fire for the players and reminded them to be diligent.”

Containing both veterans and rookies, the USA team brought together girls from all over the United States. Tina remarked that she had competed against many of the other girls on the team before the tournament and that these prior bonds, along with new friendships, strengthened the team’s chemistry despite their short time together. Tina’s journey and success stemmed from her persistence and resilience, two admirable traits that helped her overcome adversity and earn the title of 2026 IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Champion.