Swift Current's Laynee Rondeau has committed to play NCAA Division I women's hockey with the Clarkson University Golden Knights.

The 16-year-old announced her commitment July 15, choosing the program that has won three NCAA national championships since 2014. She'll also follow in the footsteps of former Swift Current Wildcats standout and former billet sister Bailey Kirwan, who played four seasons with the Golden Knights.

"I would say Clarkson is the best hockey opportunity, and it is an amazing school," Rondeau said. "This one stuck out to me because my billet sister, Bailey, who I had when I was younger, went there as well, and I heard really good things."

Rondeau will remain with the Wildcats for the next two seasons before joining Clarkson following her graduation from high school in 2028.

Rondeau said she received interest from eight NCAA Division I programs after coaches were permitted to begin contacting recruits on June 15. While several schools stood out, she said Clarkson seemed like the right fit.

The soon-to-be second-year Wildcat said watching other players commit to Division I programs also influenced her decision to commit now instead of waiting.

"It kind of got stressful, because I saw on the internet so many people were committing," she said. "I didn't feel that much pressure, but it's a hard decision to make because I have two years left and don't want to miss out on any opportunities. I was potentially going to lose an opportunity at Clarkson, and I always knew that was the place for me."

Rondeau led the Wildcats with 37 points in 30 games during her rookie Saskatchewan Female U18 AAA Hockey League season, finishing tied for second in league scoring while earning a spot on the league's second all-star team. She also helped Swift Current reach the league championship series.

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Former billet sister helped make decision easier

Kirwan billeted with the Rondeau family several years ago, creating a close relationship that has continued through her university and professional career.

Kirwan's four seasons at Clarkson between 2021 and 2025 gave Rondeau firsthand insight into the school, its hockey program and campus life.

"She loves my mom's cooking, so we always have her back here for her favourite meals, and get to catch up a bit," Rondeau said with a laugh. "I would say we've stayed connected pretty well."

Clarkson's approach stood out

Rondeau said Clarkson's recruiting process left a lasting impression.

The coaching staff presented a detailed look at campus life and living arrangements, but what stood out most was a video session breaking down her game and how it would fit within Clarkson's system.

"The coach sat down on a Zoom call with me and went through my video throughout the year," she said. "Then showed Clarkson video, and it gave me a good understanding of how my game suited how their team plays. It was really good to see because I'm a visual learner, so it helped a lot."

She acknowledged moving to Potsdam, N.Y., will be a significant adjustment, but Clarkson's orientation program helped ease those concerns.

"End of Grade 12, all the freshmen go up and stay there, I believe for three weeks in July, get settled and get used to what it would feel like," she said. "Then we get to come back for three weeks in August."

Rondeau also credited Wildcats head coach Terry Pavely for continuing to prepare her over the next two seasons.

"Even when I told him I committed, he's like, We will get you ready to be a Golden Knight, and help you get better throughout the next two seasons to get an easy transition to going to play at Clarkson," she said.

Looking beyond hockey

While Rondeau hopes hockey can take her as far as possible, she's also looking ahead academically.

She's leaning toward studying in the healthcare field and hopes to become a pediatrician.

"I want to see where hockey will take me career-wise," she said. "For schooling-wise, I really like helping people and I feel like healthcare seems really interesting to me."

Until then, Rondeau's focus remains on helping the Wildcats contend for their first league championship while continuing to develop her game.

"Doing the extra stuff outside of practices will help me succeed," she said. "I'm working with Swift Hockey Co. early mornings, and working out all the time. Even when it is practice, giving it 110 per cent."