Building an Elite Mindset: Elyssa Biederman on College Success and Preparing for the Pros

What does it take to turn early competition and high expectations into a dominant collegiate career and a path to the professional ranks?

This week on Rinkside Rundown, I’m joined by Colgate University forward and PWHL Draft prospect Elyssa Biederman. Elyssa opens up about growing up playing boys' hockey in Michigan, learning what it takes to win with the Little Caesars program, and balancing top-tier NCAA competition with her studies in biology and sociology at Colgate.

During our conversation, Elyssa breaks down her evolution as a power forward, the culture that drove Colgate's success, her experience representing Team USA, and the mindset she brought into preparing for the professional ranks.

Note: This episode was recorded prior to the 2026 PWHL Draft. Elyssa was subsequently selected 30th overall by PWHL Hamilton.

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