Boston College Athletics
Goulding Named Hockey Humanitarian Award Finalist
February 24, 2026 | Women's Hockey
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.– Senior Kara Goulding was named a nominee for the 2026 Hockey Humanitarian Award, as announced by the Hockey Humanitarian Award Foundation this week.
Goulding becomes the fourth Eagle to be named a finalist for this prestigious award, joining Keri Clougherty '25, the 2025 finalist; Brooks Dyroff '13, the 2011 recipient; and Sarah Carlson '05, the 2005 recipient.
The Belmont, Massachusetts native joins University of Minnesota Duluth's Grace Sadura, Middlebury College's Meg Simon, Princeton University's Jayden Sison and University of Connecticut's Ryan Tattle as 2026 finalists.
The award, celebrating its 30th season, is presented annually to college hockey's finest citizen, a student-athlete who makes significant contributions not only to their team but also to the community through leadership in volunteerism.
Throughout her time on the Heights, Goulding has exemplified Boston College's Jesuit ideal of cura personalis, or care for the whole person, through service, advocacy and student-athlete leadership.
Goulding has been actively involved with Newton Special Athletes, helping create inclusive athletic experiences for individuals with disabilities. She has also served as a Team IMPACT helper, building meaningful relationships and fostering support systems that extend beyond the rink.
A passionate advocate for mental health awareness, Goulding has supported Morgan's Message initiatives, helping promote conversations surrounding student-athlete mental wellness within the Boston College community.
Her impact also extends beyond campus. Goulding volunteers at Franciscan Hospital, dedicating time to support patients and families, and consistently seeks opportunities to serve vulnerable populations throughout the Boston area.
Goulding is a member of Boston College's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and currently serves as SAAC president. In that role, she organizes community service initiatives, student-athlete programming and campuswide engagement efforts while acting as a voice for all Boston College student-athletes.
One of her most notable initiatives came this season when she helped organize the Women's Hockey HEADstrong Game. Through the team's fundraising efforts, the Eagles raised more than $4,000 in support of the HEADstrong Foundation. Proceeds benefited Nick's House locations in Philadelphia and Boston, which serve as a home away from home for families traveling for cancer treatment. The foundation continues to expand its mission nationwide to ensure families have the resources and stability necessary during their fight against cancer.
The 2026 Hockey Humanitarian Award will be presented during the NCAA Men's Frozen Four weekend in April.
Goulding becomes the fourth Eagle to be named a finalist for this prestigious award, joining Keri Clougherty '25, the 2025 finalist; Brooks Dyroff '13, the 2011 recipient; and Sarah Carlson '05, the 2005 recipient.
The Belmont, Massachusetts native joins University of Minnesota Duluth's Grace Sadura, Middlebury College's Meg Simon, Princeton University's Jayden Sison and University of Connecticut's Ryan Tattle as 2026 finalists.
The award, celebrating its 30th season, is presented annually to college hockey's finest citizen, a student-athlete who makes significant contributions not only to their team but also to the community through leadership in volunteerism.
Throughout her time on the Heights, Goulding has exemplified Boston College's Jesuit ideal of cura personalis, or care for the whole person, through service, advocacy and student-athlete leadership.
Goulding has been actively involved with Newton Special Athletes, helping create inclusive athletic experiences for individuals with disabilities. She has also served as a Team IMPACT helper, building meaningful relationships and fostering support systems that extend beyond the rink.
A passionate advocate for mental health awareness, Goulding has supported Morgan's Message initiatives, helping promote conversations surrounding student-athlete mental wellness within the Boston College community.
Her impact also extends beyond campus. Goulding volunteers at Franciscan Hospital, dedicating time to support patients and families, and consistently seeks opportunities to serve vulnerable populations throughout the Boston area.
Goulding is a member of Boston College's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and currently serves as SAAC president. In that role, she organizes community service initiatives, student-athlete programming and campuswide engagement efforts while acting as a voice for all Boston College student-athletes.
One of her most notable initiatives came this season when she helped organize the Women's Hockey HEADstrong Game. Through the team's fundraising efforts, the Eagles raised more than $4,000 in support of the HEADstrong Foundation. Proceeds benefited Nick's House locations in Philadelphia and Boston, which serve as a home away from home for families traveling for cancer treatment. The foundation continues to expand its mission nationwide to ensure families have the resources and stability necessary during their fight against cancer.
The 2026 Hockey Humanitarian Award will be presented during the NCAA Men's Frozen Four weekend in April.
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