Unreal Milestone

"Unreal" Milestone: Rennenberg Surpasses 1,000 Career Saves

By, Anna Gerike

For Badger Lightning goaltender Olivia Rennenberg ‘27, the view from the net just got a little sweeter.

Rennenberg, who anchors the defense for the local girls hockey co-op team, recently achieved a rare and massive career milestone: surpassing 1,000 career saves. It was a moment of pure emotion for the junior goaltender.

“It felt unreal,” Rennenberg said. “I was almost in tears on the ice thinking about how far I have come and how much this milestone meant to me.”

That journey to 1,000 stops is the result of years of dedication. Rennenberg credits her father for instilling the drive to compete at this level.

“My dad has always pushed me to be the best, and I will forever thank him for that,” she said.

Rennenberg said that mental toughness is the most critical tool in a goalie’s kit. To stay sharp during high-pressure games, she said she relies on a simple piece of advice from her coaches: “Be a goldfish.”

“You get three seconds to think about what happened, and after that, it’s gone out of your mind and you have to move on,” she said.

Rennenberg also brings a fierce sense of confidence to the crease. Rather than letting the pressure of the position weigh her down, she uses it to fuel her focus.

“I always say to myself, ‘Watch this,’ like I’m going to make the best save that anyone has ever seen,” she said. “I love the confidence this sport brings me.”

Fans might also notice a unique routine during games.

“I always sit on my glove pre-game and in between periods,” Rennenberg shared. “I don’t know why I do it, but it has been something I have done my whole high school career. At this point, it is something I do naturally.”

With the 1,000-save banner now secured, Rennenberg isn't slowing down. She has already set her sights on reaching 2,000 saves by the end of her senior year, along with a goal of recording 10 career shutouts.

The Lightning return to the ice this week for a busy stretch, including a Thursday matchup against Viroqua and a Saturday game against the CFM Sabers from Menomonie. For Rennenberg, the plan is to simply keep playing her game.

“I’m just grateful to live in the moment right now and see where this season takes me,” she said.