Nela Lopusanova talks hockey, Bishop Kearney, the NCAA, and the recognition she's received at such a young age. Nela Lopusanova burst into the world spotlight at the 2023 U-18 World Championships with her skill and highlight reel goals. The Slovakian phenom was also recently the only junior aged player nominated for the first ever IIHF women's Player of the Year. She was the U-18 World Championship MVP, and brought visibility to the tournament from all corners of the hockey sphere. Next season, Lopusanova will skate for Bishop Kearney, one of the top "A really good option for growing and developing skills," Lopusanova said through an interpreter about the opportunity to play for Bishop Kearney. Bishop Kearney alumni include Caroline Harvey, top defender from the World Championship and USA Hockey Player of the Year, Laila Edwards, who is another former U-18 World Championship MVP, Kirsten Simms, Kiara Zanon, and Haley Winn. Last year's Bishop Kearney team also included seven members of USA's U-18 national team and Czechia senior national team member Michaela Hesova. Among the alumni are current Wisconsin Badgers players Harvey, Edwards, and Simms, who although they'll be graduated, Lopusanova stated she wants to follow in their footsteps to the University of Wisconsin. Watch the full interview with Lopusanova above.
