Minneapolis — Kelly Pannek, a star on the U.S. women’s hockey team, shared insights with CBS News about her team’s absence from President Trump’s State of the Union address. She clarified that the reason was logistical, not linked to a controversial joke Trump made during a video call with the U.S. men’s team.
“We’ll get a full invite for all Team USA athletes at the White House later, like usual,” Pannek explained during a practice session in Minneapolis. When asked about a separate invite for the women, she expressed desire for the focus to be on their historic gold medal win. “It was a huge moment for us,” she said.
While both the U.S. men’s and women’s teams returned from the Milano Cortina Games with gold medals, their celebrations differed significantly. The men’s team received a grand welcome with an Air Force flight to a White House event, where Trump announced he would award goalkeeper Connor Hellebuyck the Medal of Freedom for his outstanding performance.
In contrast, the women’s team declined to attend the State of the Union, citing prior commitments. Many players were already back to training for their professional leagues.
After the men’s victory, Trump joked about needing to invite the women, which drew laughter from the players. This remark sparked discussions online and among the players, with backup goalie Jeremy Swayman saying the men could have responded better to the joke. “We have so much respect for the women’s team,” he noted.
Pannek echoed Swayman’s sentiment, stating that both teams felt like one family during the Olympics. “It really did feel like full Team USA,” she said, highlighting the camaraderie shared by athletes.
Historical Context
Looking back, this division in celebration reflects broader patterns in sports recognition. Historically, women’s teams often face less media coverage and celebration compared to their male counterparts, despite significant achievements. This ongoing issue was highlighted during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where the U.S. women’s soccer team made headlines both for their success and the fight for equal pay.
Current Trends
On social media, reactions varied. Many users expressed disappointment with the different receptions for the two teams, emphasizing the need for equal recognition of women in sports. According to a recent survey by The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport, women’s sports still receive significantly less coverage than men’s, which impacts their visibility and sponsorship opportunities.
In a climate where equality in sports is becoming a pressing topic, the participation of women’s teams needs ongoing advocacy and support. As the conversation continues, it’s important to recognize and celebrate all athletes equally.
For more on sports equality and recognition, check out this report by ESPN on the growing visibility of women’s sports: ESPN on Women’s Sports.
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Women's Ice Hockey, Sports, Olympics, Team USA
