Joy Dunne: 5 siblings, 1 new gold & plenty of stories

Joy Dunne is known as one of college hockey’s best players, with her scoring, toughness and clutch play leading Ohio State to the 2024 national championship and appearances in the past two NCAA title games. In February, she helped the U.S. win gold at the Winter Olympics.

But did you know that Dunne is the youngest of six children? Has binge-watched “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”? Likes to sing along to songs—“I get my shoulders into it,” she says—while driving? Her good-natured personality lit up a recent interview. Read on to learn more about the senior forward from O’Fallon, Missouri.

How do people react when you show them your gold medal?

The same as I did when it was given to me: pure excitement. My favorite thing since winning it has been sharing it with others and seeing how cool their reaction is.

Your five siblings all play hockey, and sisters Jessica ’18 and Jincy ’19, ’21 MSPCOACH starred for the Buckeyes. Did your parents play?

No. They don’t skate. They don’t know how. But when we were growing up, they just wanted us to try different sports. I’ll always be grateful for what they did and what they do.

Favorite food?

I don’t like to discriminate. I like all types, but I can say pizza and sushi are always good.

Sweet tooth?

Yes. I love ice cream. It’s probably my favorite dessert.

What type of car do you drive?

A blue Bronco. I call it B.O.B. [pronounced Bob] after the blue blob in “Monsters vs. Aliens.”

You live with five Ohio State teammates. What’s something you’ve learned from that?

I grew up cracking eggs on the side of a pan, but we have an engineer in our house. She’s like, “You’re getting shells in my pan. Crack it on the table.” So I’ve learned how to properly crack an egg.

What’s your major?

Social work. No one talks about this work and how important it is. I love to connect with people and build relationships, and that’s kind of in the job description.

Favorite class you’ve taken at Ohio State?

Intro to the New Testament, about the Bible. It was so interesting. We wrote in blue books for exams. It was one of my hardest classes, but I loved it. Learned so much.

Your favorite spot on campus?

I just love to walk through campus, especially around Mirror Lake and through the Oval.

When not playing hockey, do you feel like ice skates are still on your feet?

That’s a good question. I would say no, but I’ve been wearing my roller skates a lot recently. I’ve been rolling around campus in the summer. It brings me back a bit.