Vivian Jungels

POSITION

Defender

SHOOTS

Left

HEIGHT

5'7

AGE

22 (Oct '03)

Shifts

A versatile defender who excels at anticipating plays with elite mobility and hockey IQ. Proven ability to drive a defensive pairing or be the anchor for an offensive defender — she raises the level of whoever she plays with. Consistently recovers loose pucks, stabilizes her own end, and brings a calm, reliable presence. Will quickly establish herself as a top-four contributor and is widely regarded by teammates as the cornerstone of Wisco's recent success.

Season Team League GP G A TP PPG +/-
25–26WisconsinNCAA 39417210.5458
24–25WisconsinNCAA 41410140.3467
23–24WisconsinNCAA 41514190.4648
22–23WisconsinNCAA 41615210.5145
2025–2635 Games Tracked
+/–
Total+47
Percentile100%
Net xG
Per 601.76
Percentile94%
Corsi%
Total62.0%
Percentile92%
Assists
Per 601.21
Percentile92%
Points
Per 601.51
Percentile90%
Source: InStat · Per 60 minutes · NCAA D1W Defenders 2025–26 · min. 20 GP · n=314
2026 NCAA Draft Eligible DefendersLast 2 NCAA Seasons Pooled
+/–
Total+114
Rank
1/20
Net xG
Per 601.72
Rank
5/20
Corsi%
Total61.1%
Rank
10/20
Shots BlockedBlk
Per 605.05
Rank
3/20
PK Time
% of TOI9.3%
Rank
9/20
Source: InStat · Pooled totals · NCAA D1W Defenders · 2024–25 to 2025–26 · n=20

Similar Players

Holds the Line

Vivian is the all-time leader in plus/minus at Wisconsin, a reflection of her consistent impact and reliability on the ice. One of the top defensive disruptors in the draft, she excels at taking away passing lanes, breaking up zone entries, and using her elite hockey IQ and positioning to separate opponents from the puck. She plays an aggressive and highly effective style against the rush, consistently eliminating time and space while recognizing exactly when to step up and force puck carriers into difficult decisions. In her own end, few players recover more loose pucks, bringing a calm, steady presence that stabilizes the defensive zone. During the Olympic break, she also elevated her offensive contributions while continuing to serve as the backbone of the blue line.

Team Cornerstone

A true top-pairing defender, Vivian brings a suffocating presence on the ice, consistently making life difficult for opponents in all three zones. She pairs seamlessly with offensive defensemen, elevating their play while anchoring the pairing with structure, reliability, and defensive intelligence. Widely regarded by teammates and coaches as one of the most important players in the locker room, she leads quietly but effectively, raising the standard of the entire program simply through her presence. Whether on the bench or in the room, she has a natural ability to elevate those around her, fostering confidence, accountability, and a winning environment. This summer, Vivian will continue evolving her physical game through strength training to further strengthen her defensive presence.

Championship Pedigree

A three-time National Champion at Wisconsin, Vivian has the experience and composure to handle the toughest matchups on the biggest stages. Calm under pressure, she is consistently relied upon in the most critical defensive moments, bringing a steady presence and elite defensive awareness when the game is on the line. Ask anyone who has played with or coached Vivian and you will hear the same thing: she is the foundational piece of a championship-winning program.

Vivian made an impression on our staff right away, and over time, she became exactly the kind of player every championship team needs. She developed into a defender who can be trusted in any situation because of her skating, intelligence, and ability to read the game at such a high level. She closes time and space exceptionally well, defends with great composure, and consistently makes the right play under pressure. Beyond her on-ice value, her leadership and steadiness have been just as important to our group. She has a calming effect on the team, raises the level of the people around her, and has a way of delivering in the biggest moments. Vivian has all the traits to be a top defender at the professional level, and I believe her best hockey is still ahead of her. My confidence comes from her dedication in the gym with Paul Valukas, working daily to get bigger, stronger, and more explosive.

Jackie Crum
Wisconsin Assistant Coach

Accolades

3× NCAA National Champion

All-Time Wisconsin +/- Leader

3x Collegiate Select

1× All-WCHA 3rd Team

2× WCHA All-Academic

2× WCHA Scholar Athlete

2× Academic All-Big Ten

CSC Academic All-District

Minnesota Ms. Hockey

3× All-State Selection

2× State Champion

Edina All-Time Assists Leader

Key Traits

All-Situations Defender

Backend Anchor

Cerebral

Offensive Zone

On the Puck

Makes smart, low-risk plays from the point that maintain possession and keep the offence structured. Dependable support for more aggressive partners.

Off the Puck

Uses skating to pressure opposing wingers on breakout attempts and maintain zone time through timely pinches.

Neutral Zone

On the Puck

Moves the puck effectively with short passes to facilitate controlled zone entries. Shows confidence carrying and activating in transition.

Off the Puck

Uses skating and gap control to close on forwards and force dump-ins. Strong ability to anticipate the rush and apply pressure through the zone.

Defensive Zone

On the Puck

Strong on retrievals; high hockey IQ allows to makes the right play consistently and knowing when to activate.

Off the Puck

Active stick, strong mobility and smart positioning disrupt lanes and extend coverage. Strong PK contributor with excellent awareness and shot-blocking commitment.

Vivian has been one of the most important players in our program because of both her ability and the way she leads. On the ice, she brings everything you want in a top defender — she skates well, reads the game at a high level, and plays with a calmness and composure that gives confidence to the whole group. She closes quickly, recovers pucks, and consistently makes smart plays under pressure.

Just as important is the way she carries herself every day. She leads through consistency, preparation, and the standard she sets for her teammates. In big moments, she has a steady presence and a competitiveness that never changes. When you combine that kind of leadership with her skill set, you get a player who has a real impact on winning.

Mark Johnson
Wisconsin Head Coach

Off-Ice Profile

At Wisconsin, Vivian volunteered through Badgers Give Back, visiting children at the local hospital and supporting young UW athletics fans. She also worked with the Dane County Miracle League, helping children with disabilities experience the joy of playing baseball. While away from the rink, Vivian recharges outdoors on the lake, paddle boarding, boating, and walking.