From the field to the court, the pool to the ice, and everywhere in between, Experience Columbus is proud to spotlight 18 Ohio State female student-athletes who are making an impact both in competition and across the city. Follow along as they share the places, experiences, and hidden gems that have shaped their time in Columbus, the city they’ve chosen to call home throughout their athletic careers.
Joy Dunne is a forward on the Ohio State women’s ice hockey team and was the first Ohio State player to be named National Rookie of the Year, which she earned in the 2023–24 season. She also helped lead the Buckeyes to their 2024 national championship, where she scored the game-winning goal.
Joy made her mark on the international stage as a member of Team USA, winning a gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics. She’s also a two-time IIHF Women’s World Championship team member (gold medalist in 2025, silver in 2024).
Ohio State women's ice hockey forward Joy Dunne.
Originally from O'Fallon, Missouri, she chose Ohio State for her collegiate career, where she says Columbus has allowed her to develop a healthier relationship with hockey, encouraging her to take time away from the sport when she needs rest and to explore the many places the city has to offer.
Here are more of Joy's Columbus favorites:
What is your favorite thing about living in Columbus?
Besides everything Ohio State, I love the coffee scene!
What are your favorite places to get active outdoors, like trails or parks?
I love to walk around the Main Street Bridge, Quarry Trails, and Olentangy Trail.
Photo courtesy of Northstar Cafe
Describe your ideal day in Columbus.
If it’s a Sunday and sunny, I would get a coffee from Stauf’s, then go to Rock City Short North Church, then go to Northstar for brunch. After, I’d walk around the Short North for a bit and stop in some boutiques. From there, I would sit outside and read a book, maybe at Schiller Park in German Village. After, I would go home and hang out with my roommates. We would then go get dinner at Forno and finish with ice cream at Jeni’s.
What are you saying "yes" to in Columbus this year?
Yes to trying new local coffee shops in Columbus!
Make sure to support Joy as she continues her collegiate ice hockey career with the Buckeyes — and maybe you’ll see her again on another Olympic stage.
The women’s sports capital of the U.S.? #yesColumbus. Let Joy’s story be the start of yours.
