Jamestown hockey stars Sorlie, Walker thriving at college level

Two former Jamestown High School hockey standouts are making their mark in college hockey, proving that hard work and determination pay off at the next level. Olivia Sorlie and Peighton Walker, both members of the Class of 2024, are navigating the challenges of collegiate athletics while staying true to the values that made them successful in Iowa.

Olivia Sorlie finds success in Arizona

After graduating from Jamestown High School, Sorlie packed up her hockey stick and moved to the University of Arizona in Tucson. She is now entering her third season as a goalie for the Wildcats, a program still in its early stages.

“Since graduating from JHS, I have had an amazing time experiencing life in a completely different part of the country,” Sorlie said. “Going to a large university has been a big adjustment, but it has also given me many opportunities to grow as a student-athlete.”

Last season, Sorlie played in all 18 games for a total of 1,054 minutes. She posted three shutouts and a 92.5 save percentage, allowing an average of 2.5 goals per game. Her performance earned her an assistant captain role for the upcoming 2026-27 season.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to help lead the team,” Sorlie said. “We have built a strong program, and I want to help contribute to the success in the next couple of years.”

The Wildcats went 9-9 last season as an ACHA Division 1 Independent team. Sorlie said the team is focused on making nationals this year.

“We were allowed to play top-ranked teams from across the country,” she said. “Playing these programs makes us a better team and helps us with the national rankings.”

Off the ice, Sorlie and her teammates give back to the community. In the spring, they worked with a former pro hockey player to organize an all-girls camp in Tucson to grow the sport locally.

Peighton Walker battles back from injury at University of Dubuque

For Walker, the road has been tougher. After a strong freshman season at the University of Dubuque in Iowa, she suffered a foot injury that required surgery and cut her sophomore season short.

“I was only able to play the first half of the season because I had to undergo surgery on my foot, which unfortunately ended my season early,” Walker said. “Missing the second half was difficult for me, especially because I wanted to be helping my team.”

In the 12 games she played before the injury, Walker recorded one goal, three assists, and three blocks. Her four points were a sign of growth from her freshman year, when she had three points in 23 games.

“Even though my season was cut short, I was proud of the progress I made while I was playing,” she said. “The injury taught me that setbacks are a part of athletics and that recovery takes both physical and mental strength.”

Walker is now focused on her recovery and preparing for her junior season. She said the experience has made her more resilient.

“I have learned the importance of showing up every day ready to compete, staying positive no matter what, and continuing to improve even when things don’t go my way,” Walker said. “Collegiate hockey has helped push me to become a better hockey player and teammate.”

Training and discipline at the college level

Both athletes described the intense training demands of college hockey. Sorlie’s team practices on the ice five times a week from 7 to 8:30 a.m., with strength training three times per week. In the offseason, they increase their weight room work.

At Dubuque, Walker’s team starts with 6 a.m. lifts. “Everyone is expected to be there at 5:50,” she said. “We begin each session with a warm-up before moving into our strength and conditioning.”

Both players emphasized that success at the college level requires more than talent.

“Everyone who is at the college level was one of the best players on their high school team,” Walker said. “The difference is often made by our work ethic, discipline and mental toughness.”

Advice for young Iowa athletes

Walker encouraged younger Blue Jays to pursue college sports if they have the drive.

“If you are thinking about playing a sport in college, I would absolutely encourage you to do it,” she said. “Being a college athlete has taught me so much more than just how to compete. The lessons I have learned through college hockey will stay with me long after my playing career is over.”

For Sorlie, the journey has been rewarding.

“I have loved every minute of it and can’t wait for these next two seasons,” she said. “The increased level of physical competition from high school to college was expected, but I didn’t realize how much impact it would have on me as a goalie from a mental standpoint. As I have practiced and played more at the higher level, I gained a lot of confidence in myself.”

Both athletes represent the best of Iowa’s hockey tradition, proving that hard work and resilience can take you far.