“I’ve been living in the U.S. since I was 15. I want to help other girls get the chance to try it too,” says Kristýna Kaltounková

It’s been over a month since Kristýna Kaltounková stood on stage at Ottawa’s Hard Rock Hotel as the first overall pick in the PWHL Draft. Amid the whirlwind of media duties that come with being the top pick, she still had to carve out time for her studies. She’s currently finishing her master’s degree at Colgate University and is already thinking about how her success could help open doors for more Czech female hockey players to come to the U.S. That’s also why she’s become the newest face of usFutures.

"It’s really important to me to show that girls also have the chance to go study and play hockey in the U.S.," Kristýna revealed.
"I want them to know that there are people out there who can help them make it happen—because back home, there still aren’t that many opportunities for female hockey players."

From this upcoming season, you’ll be one of the faces of the PWHL. Your first pro season is ahead of you and you could easily focus only on hockey. Why did you decide to start helping other talented Czech players get to U.S. colleges?

I know firsthand how tough it is to leave your family and move across the world. That transition is incredibly stressful. That’s why it’s so important—especially at the beginning—to have someone by your side who understands how things work in America. That’s where an agency can really make a difference. I hope that when other girls see that it’s doable, they’ll be less afraid to take that step.

Do you believe you can help them find their way through usFutures?

Absolutely. When I spoke with Irča, it was immediately clear that I wanted to get involved with usFutures somehow. I really loved the way you work. I appreciate that everything is direct and honest—there are no unrealistic promises. That’s why you’re able to actually get things done.

Since the draft, you’ve become much more visible to the general public. Do you feel more pressure now? You’re currently the face of Czech women’s hockey.

I hope I can use the platform I have now in a meaningful way. Of course, I’m grateful that things are going well and that I’ve had success—but I really want to use that to help others and contribute to the overall growth of women’s hockey in our country.

After the home World Championship in České Budějovice this April, there’s something to build on...

Playing in front of a packed arena was unbelievable. But it’s important that this momentum doesn’t just come around once in a while. I truly believe that people will grow to love women’s hockey—but we need to be more visible. Once fans stop comparing it to men’s hockey, they’ll find their own connection to it and fall in love with the game.

Your new position puts you in the role of a kind of ambassador for women’s hockey. How are you handling the increased media attention and public interest?

There’s a lot going on, but I’m not complaining. The only thing I struggle with a bit is how fragmented my time is. It’s not like having a 9-to-5 job—media obligations come in bits and pieces throughout the day. So I don’t really get to enjoy much time off.

Did you expect to be drafted first overall?

Not at all. I never seriously considered I could go that high. Some insiders were writing that I might be the first pick, but I didn’t pay much attention to it. The managers I spoke to were saying a defender would go first, since there’s a shortage in the league. So when New York picked me first, I was completely shocked.

How did you feel standing on stage at Ottawa’s Hard Rock Hotel in front of a packed room?

I was pretty nervous, but overall it was an amazing feeling. I could feel all eyes on me. Right after they called my name, I felt myself physically shaking. And there was so much going on after the draft—but I’m really glad I got to experience it all.

You already know your coach from college. Are you glad you're not heading into completely unfamiliar territory?

Definitely. We have a great relationship—he was actually one of the main reasons I chose Colgate. So that’s a big advantage. From day one, I’ll know what to expect.

Do you have any idea what to expect from living in New York? It’s quite a change from Hamilton...

It’ll be totally different—New York is huge compared to Hamilton. There will always be something to do. But the good thing is that it’s relatively close to where I’ve been living since I was 15, so it’ll still feel a little familiar.

You came to the U.S. already in high school. Would you recommend that path to other Czech players?

Absolutely—otherwise I wouldn’t be so enthusiastic about working with you. It helped me grow both as a player and as a person. I had to take care of myself. When I made mistakes, there was no one there to fix them for me—I had to learn everything firsthand. I had friends around me, but not my parents telling me what to do. It taught me a lot.

What about academics? How did you like the American education system?

It opened a lot of doors for me, and I’m incredibly grateful for that. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. When I moved on to college, I made huge strides academically as well. Everything came together really nicely. Thanks to hockey, I got a scholarship, earned my degree, and now I’m ready for the next step.

You’re currently finishing your master’s at Colgate University. Will you graduate before the PWHL season starts?

I should. Because of the World Championship, I had to postpone the last two courses I need to finish. But everything’s on track, and I should be able to wrap it up in August.

It sounds like you’ve really found your place in the U.S. Is there anything you regret about leaving home so young? Maybe missing out on the Olympics in Beijing?

Not really. I believe everything happens for a reason, and I’ve already had the chance to play in quite a few national team events. And obviously, you can’t be on every roster—it’s always a mix.

Still, wouldn’t it have been hard to miss the World Championship in České Budějovice?

That’s not how I look at it. I got to play in Budějovice, and I’m super grateful for that. We played in front of packed stands every game, and I had the chance to perform in front of my family and friends. It was an amazing experience I’ll never forget.

You just narrowly missed out on a medal…

Yeah, that’s the one thing that stings. But at least we’ve got extra motivation heading into the upcoming Olympics in Italy.

How big of an advantage is it for you that the national team is led by Canadian coach Carla MacLeod?

It’s great—I’m used to her mindset from my time in the U.S. She brings calm and confidence, and she makes us believe we can beat anyone. That kind of healthy self-belief is incredibly important.

You weren’t used to that approach back in Czechia?

Before I left for North America, I thought it was normal for coaches to yell at players and act totally unhinged. Players in Czech clubs are treated like property, and it shows. In the U.S., coaches focus on helping you improve. They stand behind you and support your growth. Sure, sometimes they raise their voice—but it’s not the norm. The most important thing is that they don’t kill your love for the game.

And they don’t force you to choose between school and sports.

Exactly—that’s what makes the American system so great. You’re not forced to pick one or the other. You’re expected to give your best to both. And if you commit to that, the system rewards you with incredible opportunities.