Slovakian hockey prodigy Nela lopušanová has committed to play for the university of Wisconsin, choosing the collegiate route over immediate opportunities in the professional ranks. The 17-year-old forward, already a standout for the Slovak national team, signed a National Letter of Intent with the Badgers, a program renowned for its eight NCAA championships adn advancement of future professionals. Lopušanová’s decision prioritizes a balance between athletic pursuits and higher education, leveraging the robust resources available at Wisconsin to further her development on and off the ice.
Slovak hockey star Nela Lopušanová will continue her career in the NCAA, officially signing a National Letter of Intent with the University of Wisconsin, as expected. The move solidifies a plan for one of the world’s most promising young players to compete at the highest collegiate level.
Lopušanová will join the prestigious league in the summer of 2026 after completing three years at Bishop Kearney, a renowned hockey academy. Her decision comes as she continues to develop her game and pursue both athletic and academic excellence.
The 17-year-old opted for the university route over the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), where she could currently play, due to the logistical challenges of balancing both commitments. “Currently, she can’t study and play in the PWHL at the same time, so she had to choose,” her father, Jozef Lopušan, explained, highlighting the superior resources available at the university level compared to those in Slovak hockey.
Unparalleled Support System
Wisconsin boasts eight national championships, making it the most successful program in NCAA women’s hockey history. The university has a proven track record of developing players who go on to achieve success at the professional level and earn induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Lopušanová will be just the second European player to join the Badgers, following Czech talent Adéla Šapovalivová.
“I believe that education is just as important as hockey,” Lopušanová told Sportnet. “I enjoy combining the two, and it’s hard for me to imagine sports without school. I like that connection; it teaches me a lot of discipline.”
Amazing Nela Lopušanová :
📌 16 years old
📌 1st official game with senior Team Slovakia 🇸🇰
📌 Hat trick after 16 minutes of the game
📌 4 goals / 5 points
📌 And (once again) a Michigan goal 👇WOW !!! pic.twitter.com/Gu6OQWiHbA
— Nicolas Jacquet (@Nico_Jt_) December 12, 2024
Wisconsin emerged as Lopušanová’s top choice from numerous offers, as she felt it provided the best environment for her continued development. She was recruited by Mark Johnson, a former NHL player with 669 career games and a stint as captain of the Hartford Whalers.
“Nela visited the university in person about a month ago,” her father said. “What she saw there blew her away; she’d never experienced anything like it. The conditions they create for female athletes are at such a high level that, in my opinion, they significantly exceed the conditions in Slovakia, even in the top men’s league.”
Jozef Lopušan detailed the exceptional support system, noting the comprehensive resources available to student-athletes.
