Every great team has that one player who rises to the occasion when it matters most. For the Ohio State women's ice hockey program, that player is Joy Dunne—and as she prepares for her senior season, the stage is set for her to cement her legacy as a true Buckeye hero.

This week, Land-Grant Holy Land is celebrating Ohio State heroes: from legendary icons to rising stars. And there's no better time to shine a spotlight on the power forward who has become the heart and soul of the Buckeyes' championship pursuit.

When head coach Nadine Muzerall took over the program in 2016, Ohio State had never even qualified for an NCAA Tournament. Fast forward to today, and the Buckeyes have played in five straight national title games—tying an NCAA record—and hoisted the championship trophy twice (2022 and 2024). That transformation didn't happen by accident, and at the center of it all is Joy Dunne.

Dunne's journey to becoming a Buckeye legend started before she ever stepped on campus. Following in the footsteps of her older sisters, Jessica and Jincy, who also played for Ohio State, Joy arrived in Columbus ready to make her mark. And make it she did.

As a freshman during the 2024 championship season, Dunne played in all 39 games and led the team with 24 goals—including six game-winners. She tied for the team lead in power-play goals and found the back of the net in all three NCAA Tournament games. But one goal stands above the rest: her lone tally in the 1-0 national championship victory over Wisconsin. That shot didn't just win a game; it sealed a title.

Since that unforgettable moment, Dunne has only gotten better. She's piled up accolades, broken records, and even earned an Olympic call-up. Now, entering her senior season, she's the cornerstone of a team that's hungry for a third championship in six years.

For Buckeye fans, the next chapter promises to be unforgettable. And if history is any guide, Joy Dunne will be right in the middle of it—heroics on full display, ready to write her own legacy.