Kirsten Simms Returns to Hillside with Olympic Gold

The hallways of Hillside Middle School felt a little more "golden" today. Just weeks after helping Team USA secure an Olympic Gold Medal, Kirsten Simms—daughter of Hillside teacher Karen Simms—returned to her former middle school to share her victory with the community that cheered her on from the start. Carrying her hard-earned gold medal, Kirsten made a special stop at the classroom of her favorite teacher, Mr. Brooks, to speak with current students about what it takes to reach the top.

A Hero on the Ice

Kirsten’s performance on the world stage was nothing short of historic. During the tournament, she was a standout for the U.S. Women’s National Team, notably scoring a goal in a massive 5-0 shutout against Canada in the preliminary rounds—the first time Canada had ever been shut out in Olympic women’s hockey history.

The journey culminated in a heart-pounding 2-1 overtime victory against Canada in the Gold Medal game, where Kirsten and her teammates reclaimed the top spot on the podium for the United States.

A School United in Spirit

While Kirsten was competing thousands of miles away in Italy, the spirit of Team USA was alive and well at Hillside. Mr. Brooks described an electric atmosphere throughout the building during the tournament, with cheers often erupting from nearby classrooms as teachers and students caught word of scoring updates. To have her back in the building today brought that journey full circle for the students who spent weeks rooting for her.

What’s Next: Graduation and the Draft

Even with a Gold Medal in hand, Kirsten’s work is far from over. When asked about her immediate future, she noted that her most pressing goals are back on campus: finishing her degree and walking at graduation.

Beyond the classroom, Kirsten is preparing for the upcoming professional hockey draft. She spoke to students about the importance of continuing to improve the "little things" in her game to ensure she stays at the elite level and makes it back to the Olympic roster for the next Winter Games.