The New York Riveters re-signed defenseman, Michelle Picard on Wednesday for the 2017-2018 National Women’s Hockey League season.

The former Harvard captain helped Team USA capture the silver at the 2014 Sochi Olympics and was also part of the gold medal winning squad during the 2013, 2015 and 2016 World Championships. During her senior season with the Harvard Crimson, she was named first team All-Ivy League, third team All-Eastern College Athletic Association and was a finalist for ECAC defender of the year.

The five foot-four, Massachusetts native put up eight goals and 45 assists in 128 games while protecting the blueline in for the Crimson. Prior to attending Harvard, she played high school hockey at Noble and Greenough School in Dedham, Massachusetts. Picard said, “I am so grateful for that experience. I had amazing coaches and teachers who inspired me and supported me in making strides towards achieving my dreams.”

During the 2016-2017 NWHL season, Picard scored two goals and six assists in 18 games patrolling the blueline for the Riveters and goaltenders, Katie Fitzgerald and Sarah Bryant. The defender said, “Last year we had a great season with the Riveters, but came up short in our expectations. This year we aim to bring the Isobel Cup home to our loyal fans.”

She continued, “My experience with the NWHL has been greater than I had imagined. It allowed me to continue playing the game I love at a competitive level. I have met some amazing people within the Riveters organization, and I am so grateful to be a part of it.”

The Anthropology major is now a tutor and teaching assistant at Greater Oaks Charter School in Newark, New Jersey. She said, “I love working, teaching and coaching young people.”

Picard also coaches within the Hockey in New Jersey program, giving kids around the state, in cities like Newark, Jersey City and Englewood, the opportunity to play hockey for free. She said, “I have absolutely loved my time coaching with this organization and I look forward to coaching with them again this season.”