How did a part-time job lead to an Olympic career? Kelly Cooke began officiating at the age of 12 and on September 30th, was announced as a referee for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. Cooke grew up in North Andover, Massachusetts and attended Noble and Greenough School while playing for Assabet Valley. She played four years at the Division I level for Princeton University then went on to study Law at Northeastern University. 

Cooke continued officiating throughout college and established herself as a respected referee, officiating for the AHL, NCAA, and at 2022 Beijing Olympics. Cooke plans to bring her experience and knowledge as one of 10 U.S. officials taking the ice in Milan this Winter.

Mass Hockey: What does this accomplishment mean to you?
Kelly Cooke: Being selected to officiate at the 2026 Olympics is the honor of a lifetime. It is the pinnacle of my officiating career and is truly a testament to the women that came before me and paved the way for this generation of officials.

Mass Hockey: How did you feel when you learned you were selected?
Kelly Cooke: Extremely excited, humbled and honored to be a part of something so special. The journey to Milan for us officials started a number of years ago, so I was very happy to learn that I had been selected.

Mass Hockey: What did your path to officiating at the Olympic games look like?
Kelly Cooke: I started officiating when I was 12 years old as a part-time job and continued officiating through college while I was still playing. Once I retired from playing, I focused on my officiating career and have been officiating at the collegiate, professional, and international levels ever since. The international assignments, including the Olympics, are based on performance and evaluations at various tournaments over a number of years.

Mass Hockey: How did growing up in Massachusetts influence your interest in hockey and officiating? 
Kelly Cooke: Massachusetts has always been a hockey hotbed. I was lucky enough to grow up with great hockey opportunities, especially on the female side when hockey was not as popular for girls back then as it is now. Being surrounded by hockey at a young age allowed me to develop my passion for the game, which has continued to be an important part of my life ever since.

Mass Hockey: How have your previous experiences prepared you for this role? 
Kelly Cooke: My previous experiences - internationally, collegiately, and professionally - have challenged me in varying ways, often by presenting unique situations that test me as an official. These experiences have taught me to have confidence in unfamiliar situations and to trust my instinct on the ice.

Mass Hockey: What has your experience officiating at the international level looked like far? What will you bring with you to the Olympic stage? 
Kelly Cooke: I have been officiating at the international level for over a decade now. My experience includes world championships at many different levels in countries all over the world, culminating with the 2022 Olympics in Beijing. As one of the more veteran officials, I will bring experience and perspective to the Olympic stage in Milan.

Mass Hockey: Has officiating helped you in other areas of your life (like personally or professionally)?
Kelly Cooke: Definitely. Officiating provides a sense of balance and an outlet from my career as a corporate attorney. It has taught me time-management and conflict resolution, both of which help personally and professionally.

Mass Hockey: What advice would you have for anyone interested in getting involved in officiating?
Kelly Cooke: Give it a try! Officiating is a great way to stay involved in a game that we all love and to remain competitive on the ice. There are so many resources available for new officials, so don't be afraid to take advantage of those.

Mass Hockey: What are you hoping other female officials will learn from your story? 
Kelly Cooke: I hope that other female officials learn from my story that anything is possible if you set goals and work to achieve them. The sky truly is the limit if you are willing to sacrifice for your goals and be the best teammate you can be along the way.

Mass Hockey: What are you doing to prepare for the Olympics? 
Kelly Cooke: I will spend the fall and winter officiating collegiate and professional hockey before I head over to Milan. We are lucky to have an abundance of great hockey here in Boston, which is great preparation for the Olympic games.

Mass Hockey: What are you most looking forward to in Milan? 
Kelly Cooke: I am most looking forward to soaking in the experience. I was lucky enough to be a part of the 2022 Olympics in Beijing, but due to Covid, there were severe restrictions. This time around, I am looking forward to enjoying the Olympic experience with my family who has supported me along every step of my hockey and officiating journey.