Interview with University of Vermont goaltender: Ellie Simmons

Happy Friday from all of us at The Ice Garden! It’s Sally here with this week’s edition of Hockey Insider.

University of Vermont goaltender Ellie Simmons joins us as today’s featured guest. Simmons joined UVM in 2022 and has stayed with the Catamounts ever since. Originally from Buffalo, N.Y., Simmons spends lots of extra time in Vermont building up the goalie scene. While balancing coaching and a NCAA DI playing career, Simmons repeatedly earns marks in her education. She’s a 4x Hockey East All-Academic Team honoree and was an AHCA All-American Scholar in 2025. We discuss her mental game, her work as Vermont’s State Goalie Coordinator and her opportunity to represent Team USA in 2023 at the World University Games.

The Ice Garden: How did you get started in goal tending and when did you decide to go on the DI path?

Ellie Simmons: I started playing goalie full-time when I was about 9 or 10, but honestly, it was hard to get me out of the net even before that. Whenever my sisters needed someone to shoot on in the driveway or my team asked who wanted to play goalie during our half-ice games, I was always the first one to volunteer. I just loved the position from the very beginning. As I got older, I started realizing I wanted to see how far hockey could take me.

Playing at the Division I level became a goal once I understood what it would take and started competing against higher-level players. It wasn’t one specific moment that made me decide, it was something I worked toward over the years. I focused on developing my game, finding great coaches and mentors, and taking advantage of every opportunity that came my way. Looking back, I’m really grateful for that journey because it shaped me into both the goalie and the person I am today.

TIG: You’re majoring in Psychological Sciences with several student-athlete accolades over the years. How do you balance the life of a high-performing DI athlete and what are you looking to do after hockey?

ES: Balancing being a Division I student-athlete has definitely taught me a lot about time management, discipline, and staying organized. There are long days with classes, practices, workouts, travel, and studying, so I’ve learned how important it is to be intentional with my time and make the most of every day. It’s not always easy, but I enjoy the challenge of pushing myself both academically and athletically.

As a Psychological Sciences major, I’m fascinated by how the mind impacts
performance, confidence, and resilience. After college, I’d love the opportunity to keep playing hockey if it’s the right fit. No matter where my playing career takes me, I know coaching is something I want to pursue long-term. I already love working with younger goalies, and being able to help athletes grow both on and off the ice is incredibly rewarding. Staying involved in the game and giving back to the hockey community is something I definitely see in my future.

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TIG: Women’s hockey has gotten noticeably faster and more skilled over the last few years. What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in shooters since you started playing, and have you had to adapt your game?

ES: These past few years, the women’s game has evolved so much. Shooters are faster, more deceptive, and more confident with the puck than ever before. Players aren’t just taking shots anymore, they’re changing angles, getting pucks through traffic, and making plays that force goalies to stay patient for that extra second. Because of that, I’ve had to adapt my game too. I’ve put a big emphasis on my skating and edge work so I can stay controlled while moving, and I’ve worked on being more patient instead of committing too early. The game is so fast now that if you get ahead of yourself, good shooters will make you pay. It’s definitely made me a better goalie, and it’s been exciting to see how much the women’s game continues to grow.

TIG: Tell us about your experience at the FISU World University games and being able to represent Team USA at the “Miracle on Ice” rink in Lake Placid.

ES: The University Games was truly an unforgettable experience. It had always been a dream of mine to wear a Team USA jersey and getting that opportunity is something I’ll never take for granted. Sharing that experience with an incredible group of teammates made it even more special.

Being in Lake Placid and experiencing the town where one of the greatest moments in hockey history took place was incredibly special. It was a reminder of how much the game can bring people together and the legacy that has been built there. Representing Team USA while being part of that atmosphere is a memory I’ll always cherish.

TIG: You’re the Goalie Coordinator for Vermont Hockey. How did you come into this position and what‘s a project you’re really proud of?

ES: I got involved with Vermont Hockey because I wanted to give back to the goalie community. As I started coaching more and working with younger goalies, I realized how important it is to have someone in your corner who understands the position. Being named the Goalie Coordinator has given me the opportunity to help create more development opportunities for goalies across the state. One project I’m especially proud of is Goalie Day. It brings goalies of all ages together to learn, compete, and connect with one another. It’s been really rewarding to see the goalie community in Vermont continue to grow and become more connected.

TIG: Goalie is arguably the most mentally demanding position in hockey. What’s the best piece of advice to win the mental battle you’ve received, or you like to give to goalies you coach?

ES: One piece of advice I always come back to is to have a short memory. Every goalie is going to let in goals, it’s part of the position. What separates good goalies is how they respond. You can’t change the last shot, but you can control how you prepare for the next one. I also remind the goalies I coach that confidence comes from preparation. If you’ve put in the work, trust it. Stay present, focus on the next save, and don’t let one moment define your game.

More from the women’s hockey world

Women’s hockey players take part in NHL development camp as coaches and players

Toronto Sceptres summer roster check-in

Four players to watch for a 2026 PWHL training camp invite

The IX Sports Podcast Hockey Edition: Where does PWHL Detroit Go From Here

A look at Boston Fleet’s goaltenders

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