Jennifer L. Botterill ’02-’03: Four-Time Canadian Ice Hockey Olympian

Now competing in her fourth Olympic Winter Games at the age of 30, Jennifer L. Botterill ’02-’03 will forever be a legend of the women’s ice hockey program at Harvard—although her chance at a fourth medal is only one among many impressive career accomplishments.

This year’s Winter Games have special meaning for Botterill as they take place in her home country of Canada. Though winning three Olympic medals would be any athlete’s dream, representing one’s country on home turf is particularly significant—and so far the extra pressure has paid off, with the Canadian women’s hockey team winning three decisive victories against Slovakia, Switzerland, and Sweden this past week.

“The crowds have been absolutely amazing,” said Botterill, speaking from Vancouver on Saturday. “We really feel the energy of all the people that are here to support us.”

Though she already had an Olympic silver medal to her name before coming to Harvard, Botterill—nicknamed “Botts” by friends and teammates—was never one to rest on her laurels, and her unrivalled collegiate record is a testament to her drive, according to her coaches.

“So much of her development came through her hard work and determination,” said Katey Stone, the Harvard women’s ice hockey head coach. “She really took advantage of everything Harvard had to offer and got as good as she could get.”

A native of Winnipeg, Canada, Botterill has both ice-skating and Olympics in her blood as her mother competed in two Winter Games as a speed skater.

A member of the Canadian national women’s ice hockey team since 1997, Botterill began her Harvard career in 1998 when she helped lead the Crimson to victory in the U.S. women’s college hockey championship and was named MVP of the tournament.

In the 2000-01 season, Botterill set a U.S. college hockey record by scoring in 80 consecutive games as team captain and won the Patty Kazmaier Award for being the most outstanding player in U.S. women’s college hockey.

Botterill took time off to compete in the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City and brought home a second medal—this time gold.

Returning to Harvard for the 2002-03 academic year, she served as team captain and was the only player to win a second Patty Kazmaier Award.

“Sarah [Vaillancourt ’08-’09, Canadian teammate and Harvard graduate] and I playing here feel so proud to have played for the Crimson,” Botterill said. “Harvard gave us the skill, development, and confidence to go all the way.”

As the all-time NCAA point leader in U.S. women’s college hockey, Botterill scored at least one point in 106 of the 107 games she played for Harvard, impressing teammates, fans, opponents, and coaches alike.

“It was awesome to coach her. To be able to have that kind of talent on your ice every day is incredible,” Stone said. “Jennifer playing in her fourth Olympics is a tremendous accomplishment. She is a big park of Hockey Canada’s future and an exciting player to watch.”

Botterill and team Canada compete today in the women’s ice hockey Olympic semi-finals, facing off against Finland and shooting for their fourth victory in the 2010 Vancouver games.

Title: Three-Time Harvard Olympian Seeks Fourth Medal in Vancouver