Brianna

Decker

Quick Facts

• Specialty: Forward

• Daughter of John and Marilyn Decker

• She has three brothers, Bryan, Ben and Brody

• Began playing hockey at age three with her brothers

• Enjoys listening to music, cooking, biking and playing cards

• Founder of the Brianna Decker Endowment Fund for Girls Hockey 

• Announced her retirement in March 2023

Biographical Information 

Brianna Decker is a former ice hockey forward known for her exceptional skills and contributions to women's hockey. She began playing hockey at age three with her brothers, and states “everyone one of us was a sore loser.” She credits her competitive spirit and determination to her childhood, growing up competing with her brothers and her parents instilling a strong work ethic in them. 

Decker played for the Wisconsin Badgers women's ice hockey team, where she earned the 2012 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award, recognizing her as the top female collegiate hockey player in the U.S. 

Internationally, Decker has been a key player for the U.S. Women's National Team, earning a gold medal at the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 and a silver at the Olympic Winter Games Sochi 2014. She also secured gold at the 2009 IIHF World Women's U18 Championship. 

Beyond her athletic achievements, Decker is committed to giving back to the community, actively participating in youth hockey clinics to inspire and mentor young players. She is also the founder of the Brianna Decker Endowment Fund for Girls Hockey, which provides grants to girls' hockey programs with the goal of increasing female youth participation in ice hockey by alleviating equipment costs.

Decker suffered a broken left fibula and torn ankle ligaments in the opening game of the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022, causing her to miss the remainder of the tournament. Having already served as an assistant coach for three Under-18 Women’s National teams, Decker made the transition to coaching full time, retiring from the ice herself. While she did consider returning to ice hockey after her recovery, she said her heart was ready to move on and stated “I want to make an impact like coaches did on me throughout my career.”

Olympic Experience

• 3-time Olympian; 3-time Olympic medalist (1 gold, 2 silver)
  • Olympic Games Beijing 2022, silver (Team - Women)
  • Olympic Games Pyeongchang 2018, gold (Team - Women)
  • Olympic Games Sochi 2014, silver (Team - Women)

World Championships Experience

• Most recent: 2021 – silver (Team - Women)
• Years of participation: Team - Women 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2021
• Medals: 8 (6 gold, 2 silver)
  • Gold – 2019 (Team - Women); 2017 (Team - Women); 2016 (Team - Women); 2015 (Team - Women); 2013 (Team - Women); 2011 (Team - Women)
  • Silver – 2021 (Team - Women); 2012 (Team - Women)