Biography
Sara DeCosta-Hayes, born on May 13, 1977, is a former American ice hockey goaltender who gained recognition for her contributions to women's ice hockey in the United States. She played a pivotal role on the U.S. Women's National Team, helping secure a gold medal at the 1997 IIHF Women's World Championship and earning a silver medal at the inaugural women’s ice hockey tournament in the 1998 Winter Olympics held in Nagano, Japan.
Throughout her collegiate career, DeCosta-Hayes played for Providence College, where she was a standout performer and was named to the All-American team. Her exceptional skills in goal established her as one of the top goaltenders in women's ice hockey during her time, earning her accolades and recognition within the sport.
After retiring from professional play, DeCosta-Hayes continued to impact the sport through coaching and advocacy for women's ice hockey. Her legacy includes inspiring future generations of female athletes and promoting the growth and recognition of women's sports on a national and international stage.