MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. – For most collegiate hockey players, the offseason is a chance to recover from a long season on the ice. For RMU women's hockey defenseman Mya Kearns, it's another opportunity to compete for a world championship.
 
This summer, Kearns helped Team USA capture its second consecutive ISBHF Women's World Championship, earning a gold medal in Ostrava, Czechia. In doing so, she helped the Americans accomplish something no U.S. women's ball hockey team had ever done before.
 
Team USA became the first American squad to win back-to-back world championships, the first to defeat Canada during preliminary-round play and the first to beat its longtime rival twice in the same tournament. Kearns played a pivotal role throughout the championship run, recording one goal and two assists, including a crucial goal against Canada in the semifinal.
 
For Kearns, the accomplishment represents years of dedication to a sport that has become just as meaningful as the game she plays at Robert Morris.
 
She first discovered ball hockey around the age of 14 after deciding she wanted to try playing goalie during the offseason. Through connections her father had within the ball hockey community, she joined a junior team and quickly fell in love with the sport.
 
What started as a summer hobby has grown into representing her country on the world's biggest stage.
 
Today, Kearns is one of the youngest players on Team USA and currently the only active NCAA student-athlete on the roster. Most of her teammates are former collegiate players who have continued competing after their playing careers ended, with many now in their early to mid-30s.
 
The sport itself continues to experience tremendous growth. USA Ball Hockey's Future Stars program has introduced young players across Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey to the game through 14U and 16U leagues, while the National Ball Hockey League (NBHL) has expanded to more than 300 teams nationwide.
 
Kearns has witnessed that growth firsthand while establishing herself as one of the country's premier young players.
 
Two years ago, she traveled to Switzerland as the youngest member of Team USA and helped the Americans capture their first world championship. This summer's tournament in Czechia brought a different experience. Her family made the trip overseas to watch her compete in person as Team USA defended its title and etched its name into the history books.
 
"Ball hockey is a fun outlet that allows me to continue to compete and play the sport I love year-round," said Kearns. "The bond between the players and the coaching staff builds into that of a family. We always have each other's backs and do everything as a unit of one. The competitiveness and intensity that the team holds are something that I really enjoy and drives my love to win. It's been nothing but a pleasure and an honor to represent my country and I'm extremely excited to continue this journey."
 
That competitive spirit has become one of Kearns' defining characteristics, something RMU head coach Logan Bittle sees every day.
 
"Mya is an incredibly driven competitor who embraces every opportunity to challenge herself," Bittle said. "Representing your country is an incredible honor, and to help Team USA win back-to-back world championships speaks volumes about the player and person she is. We're extremely proud of everything she's accomplished and excited to see her bring that championship experience back to our program."
 
Kearns, a native of Canonsburg, Pa., will enter her junior season with the Colonials in 2026-27. A valued teammate both on and off the ice, she was named the Female Unsung Hero at the 2026 Colonial Choice Awards.
 
A two-time AHA All-Academic Team selection and two-time AHCA/Krampade All-America Scholar honoree, Kearns has also made steady contributions on the ice throughout her RMU career. In 71 career games, she has recorded one goal, 12 assists and 13 points.
 
Follow The Colonials: Facebook | X | Instagram | TikTok | LinkedIn | RMU Athletics Gameday App