Hey there, hockey fans! Today, I’ve got an awesome story to share with you. It’s all about Noa Diop, a 15-year-old defenseman from Chicago who is aiming to make her mark on the ice with the French women’s national hockey team. Noa’s journey began when she decided to play in France last season at Pôle France Féminin, the women’s national training center. She wanted to pursue her dream of representing France in the Winter Olympics someday. How cool is that?
Noa packed her bags and headed to France in August 2022 when she was just 14 years old. She spent a whole year there, training with some of France’s best players and living her hockey dreams. And guess what? She’s going back to France this week to play in a four-nations tournament. Talk about dedication!
Noa’s ultimate goal is to earn a spot on the French team that will compete in the IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship Division I, Group A in Italy next year. She’s been working hard, keeping in touch with the U18 national coach and the academy coach, and practicing with her club team in the United States. Noa is determined to show off her skills and make her country proud.
But here’s the twist – Noa had to make a big move to become eligible to play for the French national team. She had to relocate to France and comply with the International Ice Hockey Federation’s requirements. That’s a big commitment for a 15-year-old, but Noa was up for the challenge. She’s proven herself to be a talented player with a great attitude and work ethic. Her coaches and teammates at the training center have been impressed with her skills and competitiveness.
Noa’s love for France runs deep. She’s a dual U.S.-French citizen, thanks to her father’s French and Senegalese heritage and her mother’s American roots. She attends a French international school and speaks the language fluently. So, playing for the French national team is not only a dream come true for Noa, but it’s also a way for her to connect with her family’s heritage.
Of course, Noa’s parents had some concerns about their daughter moving to a foreign country at such a young age. But they knew how important this opportunity was for her. They wanted to support her dreams and make sure she was safe. And it turns out, Noa has relatives in Paris who have been there for her when she needed them. They even hosted Thanksgiving together last year, blending American and French traditions.
Noa’s journey is far from over. She’s got her sights set on the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympics, and she’s hoping that the French women’s national team will qualify. It would be a dream come true for Noa to represent her country on the biggest stage in sports. And let’s not forget about the location – Italy! Noa has always wanted to visit, and playing hockey there would be the icing on the cake.
So, let’s cheer on Noa Diop as she continues to chase her Olympic dreams with the French women’s national hockey team. She’s a talented player with a passion for the game, and I have no doubt that she’ll make a name for herself on the ice. Go Noa!