Six Questions With Mercyhurst's Nayeon Kim
Lakers forward Nayeon Kim talks about women's hockey in Korea, her goals for the future, and much more.
There are currently 1,135 players in the NCAA's first division. Out of that number, only three players hail from South Korea, including Mercyhurst forward Nayeon Kim. Kim, a freshman from Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, currently sits second on the team in points with 13 (4G, 9A). She spoke to The Ice Garden about women's hockey in Korea, her goals for the future, and much more.
TIG: What made you want to start playing hockey? Were there teams for girls in your area?
Kim: My background in starting hockey is a bit different from most, especially considering that hockey isn’t a widely recognized or popular sport in my country. My dad was a professional hockey player in Korea, so my brother began playing first. My parents had absolutely no intention of putting me into the sport, but watching my brother made me want to try it so much that I eventually started skating when I was about eight years old, and I immediately fell in love with hockey.
In Korea, there were no girls’ teams at all, so until I moved abroad at 16, my only option was to skate with boys once or twice a week. That was the beginning of my hockey journey.
Did you face any pushback or resistance?
Yes. Even before I started hockey, my parents didn’t want me to play because there were no clear pathways for girls in Korea. Even my dad, despite his background in the sport, doubted whether a girl could realistically build a future in hockey there. But I kept insisting and showed them how serious I was, and eventually they chose to support me. And the moment I first stepped onto the ice, I knew right away that I wanted to become a player for the South Korean women’s national team.
Another form of resistance I faced came from the environment itself. Although more girls are playing hockey in Korea today, when I first started, it was extremely rare for a young girl to play this sport. Korea wasn’t an easy place for a young girl to pursue hockey, so I dreamed from a young age of studying in Canada or the United States, where I could really develop in the sport and I was fortunate to get that opportunity when I entered high school in Canada. At first, it was intimidating and difficult to adjust to a new country and a new culture. But with supportive teammates and coaches who became lifelong friends, I was able to grow, adapt, and become a much better player than I could have been otherwise.
Who are some players you admire?
I don’t have a specific favorite player, but the person I admire the most is my dad. He’s the one who introduced me to the sport and shaped my passion for hockey. When I was young, he taught me so much and guided me through the basics, and I truly believe that I am where I am today because of the foundation he gave me. No matter what I do or what situation I’m in, he has always supported me, and having that kind of constant belief behind me means everything.
How does it feel to be part of a group of hockey players growing Asian representation in North America?
It means a lot to be part of the growing Asian representation in North American hockey. When I came here, I didn’t see many players who shared my background, so being one of them now feels meaningful.
I feel proud, but also responsible. I want to show that Asian players can compete and truly belong at this level. If my presence can help younger players believe that this path is possible for them, that alone makes it worth it.
What are your goals for the future? Are you interested in turning pro?
My main goal is to keep developing as a player and become someone who truly helps my team and fills the roles we need. And of course, I want to help my team win an AHA championship and continue improving my game at the college level. I also want to be a part of helping women’s hockey in Korea continue to grow.
As for the future, I don’t know exactly where life will take me, but for now, my plan after college is to return home at least for a little bit and start the next chapter of my life there.
What do you want people to know about women’s hockey in Korea?
Women’s hockey in Korea is still developing, but the players are incredibly hardworking and dedicated. Even though the sport isn’t widely known at home, the women’s program has made real progress, and the younger generation is getting stronger every year. I hope people understand how much passion and effort go into the sport in Korea, and how much potential there is for it to continue growing.
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