Olympic Dreams, Ridley Roots

When Lilli ’21 and Luisa ’21 Welcke step onto the ice in Milano-Cortina this February, they will not just be representing Germany. They will be carrying years of dedication, resilience and a global community that helped shape their journey. For the twin sisters, both proud Ridley College alumnae and former Prep Hockey standouts, the road to the Olympic Games has been long, demanding and deeply meaningful.

Now in Germany with their national team, Lilli and Luisa are immersed in the final stages of Olympic preparation. Their days are filled with early mornings, intense practices and team meetings. “The Olympics are the tournament you’ve always dreamed of playing in,” Lilli shared. “It’s a whole different level.”

That moment did not arrive overnight. Unlike world championships, the Olympic pathway requires teams to qualify well in advance, followed by a long wait before final rosters are announced. For Lilli and Luisa, that meant navigating the pressure of qualification tournaments and the anticipation that followed.

The sisters’ international hockey careers may be impressive, but their Ridley chapter holds special significance. At just 16, they left Germany to pursue their education and hockey careers in North America, stepping into a new culture, language and school system.

“It was tough at the start,” they admitted, particularly adjusting to English and life away from home. But Ridley quickly became a place of belonging. “Ridley was a super supportive community. We felt welcome right away, and it was not hard to make friends.”

As members of the Prep Hockey Programme, they thrived in an environment that challenged them daily. They credit much of their growth to the culture created by teammates, coaches and staff. “The entire environment helped us grow,” Lilli said. “Our teammates pushed us every day in practice.”

They remain especially grateful for coaches Amanda Wark and Celeste Doucet ’07, and former Athletic Director Courtney Smith ’06, who continue to follow their careers and reach out with messages of support. “It’s super cool to see that they’re still in touch with us,” Luisa shared.

Life beyond the rink played an equally important role. Living in Leonard House, spending time with housemates and taking part in everyday traditions helped make Ridley feel like home. From House events and Bradley Shield competitions to a memorable baking competition win, those moments mattered. “It made it easier not to be homesick,” they said. “It was super fun to have such a close community.”

After Ridley, the sisters continued their journey in NCAA Division I hockey, beginning at the University of Maine before transferring to Boston University, where they are now completing their final season. College hockey, they say, prepared them well for international competition.

“Any team can beat you on any day,” Luisa explained. The faster pace and smaller ice demand quick decisions and confidence under pressure, skills that translate directly to elite international play.

Lilli and Luisa hope their Olympic appearance will help inspire the next generation. “With more exposure at the Olympics, we can also help grow women’s hockey in Germany,” Lilli said.

As they imagine stepping onto Olympic ice for the first time, their thoughts turn not to medals but to gratitude.

“I’m going to be grateful for all the support we got. For the coaches who helped us, our family and friends and all the ups and downs that got us to this moment.”

It is a sentiment that resonates strongly within the Ridley alumni community. Lilli and Luisa’s journey is a reminder that success is built on courage, community and perseverance, and that the lessons learned at Ridley continue to echo far beyond campus.

The entire Ridley community will be cheering them on as they represent Germany on the world’s biggest stage.