Fenwick Forward Kate Mulvihill Name Illinois Girls High School Player of the Year

By Ross Forman
Despite being outshot 27-13 in the state tournament semifinal game against York on March 9, Fenwick hung on to win 3-2 – with Kate Mulvihill scoring the game-winning goal on the first shift of the third period.

“It was a huge team effort to win that game,” Mulvihill said. “Our goalie, Mikey Romero, played amazing; our offense and defense worked till the very last seconds to secure the win.”

That shining moment was squashed days later when the Friars fell to New Trier at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont in the Illinois Girls High School Hockey State Championship Game, as the Trevians became back-to-back state champs.

Mulvihill said the state final setback was “a super unfortunate loss,” but she was “super proud of my team, given the certain circumstances at the beginning of the season almost not having a team.”

The Trevians celebrated a 5-3 victory.

Mulvihill celebrated an amazing season, nonetheless. The junior forward, 16, who lives in Elmhurst was named the Cammi Granato Illinois Girls High School Hockey Player of the Year.

“It’s a huge honor that I attribute mostly to my team; I wouldn’t be the player I am without my teammates.,” she said. “It’s very special (winning the award) knowing I’ve been recognized for my hard work and dedication put into the sport among all the talented girls in the league. 

“It’s hard to believe (winning Player of the Year). I play against a lot of very good players; there are many who I think deserve this award. It’s an honor that I received it.”

Mulvihill, a three-year Fenwick left wing, also played this season for the Team Illinois U16 club. The left-handed shooting left wing played with freshman center Libby Boveri and junior right wing Molly Wunderlich. Mulvihill formerly skated for the Elmhurst Chiefs and Chicago Hawks. She wore No. 70 for TI and No. 12 for the Friars.

Mulvihill received her Player of the Year award at the Allstate Arena – in front of a slew of friends and family.

“Winning Player of the Year is truly something special. Team Illinois is very proud of Kate for reaching such an achievement,” said TI president Sean Freeman. “Kate earned this award by displaying her dedication and relentless work ethic every day at the rink. Her skills on the ice and her puck confidence improved immensely this season and were on full display when playing for Fenwick.”

Slapshots With … Fenwick Forward Kate Mulvihill

Praising Her Parents: “They are always there for me, motivating and supporting me through the ups and downs of my career. I cannot ask for a better support system than my family.” Leslie and Matt Mulvihill were both athletes at Iowa State University. Leslie was a swimmer and Matt wrestled.
Off The Ice: She plays lacrosse for Fenwick, works out and does yoga.
Hockey Superstition: “I like to control the music before every game, (and do the) same warmup on the ice.”
Long-term Career Goal: Play college hockey
Giving Thanks: “I'm very thankful for the recognition I’ve received. I’m the person I am today by the way I was raised in faith. My awesome sisters who are great athletes motivate me as well as both my parents who were also amazing athletes.” Evelyn, 18, is a freshman swimmer at Iowa State University; Maeve, 12, plays volleyball and is in the eighth grade.
Favorite NHL Team: Chicago Blackhawks  
Favorite NHL Players: Will Smith, Jack Hughes  
Favorite Sports-themed Movie: Miracle  
Favorite TV Show: One Tree Hill 
Motivational Song: Mr. Brightside by The Killers  
Favorite Pre-game Meal: “My mom’s egg and bacon bagel sandwich and Starbucks.”
Favorite app: TikTok 
Celebrity You’d Like To Meet: Jack Hughes