Women's Ice Hockey Announces Class of 2029
6/10/2025
Brown Women's Hockey Head Coach Melanie Ruzzi has announced the addition of eight student-athletes to the team that will join the program in the fall.
The class includes newcomers Martina Accardi, Noa Brown, Isabella Gratzl, Zoe Li, Avery Lian, Grace Morin, Cadence Richards and Ella Warcop.
“I am excited to welcome a large class that will offer a range of contributions on and off the ice," said Ruzzi. “They will each challenge for roles throughout the lineup and will compliment a really strong core of returners. We look forward to all of them arriving on College Hill ready to make an impact while embracing the work ethic and togetherness that defines our program.”
Scroll to find an in-depth look at each new Bear below.
Martina Accardi
Forward | Brooklin, Ontario, Canada | Brooklin High School
- Played for Durham West Lightning Junior
- Scored 24 goals and added 38 assists in the last two seasons
- 2023-24 U22 Elite League Champions and 2024-25 U22 Elite League Finalists
- LOSSA Champions in 2023, 2024 and 2025
- OFFSA Champions in 2023 and finalists in 2024
- Honor Roll all four years of high school
Planned Concentration: Undecided
Why Brown?: “Brown offers unparalleled opportunities in both athletics and academics. Coach Mel leads an outstanding program that fosters success, and the University's strong network and resources will support my continued athletic and academic growth.”
Noa Brown
Goalie | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | University of Toronto Schools
- Played for Toronto Junior Aeros U22 from 2023-25
- 0.920 save percentage averaging 45 shots per game in 2024-25
- Part of the Team Ontario U18 High Performance Program in 2022 and 2023
- Selected to represent Canada in ice hockey at the Maccabiah Games in 2025
- Played field hockey, tennis, basketball indoor and outdoor soccer and hockey in high school.
Planned Concentration: Undecided
Why Brown?: “I chose Brown because it offers incredible academic opportunities while allowing me to play hockey at the highest level. I believe it's the perfect place for me to grow both on and off the ice.”
Isabella Gratzl
Defense | Chicago, Ill. | Buffalo Grove High School
- Played for Chicago Mission Club Team
- Three-time All-State for Ice Hockey
- 2025 All-State MVP
- High School hockey state champion in 2024 and state runner-up in 2025
- Served as the team Captain in 2025
- Named to the Honor Roll seven semesters, Illinois State Scholar and AP Scholar with Distinction
Planned Concentration: Mechanical Engineering
Why Brown?: “I chose Brown because it felt like the perfect combination of everything I was looking for. The open curriculum really stood out to me— it reflects the kind of academic freedom and independence I value. The campus is beautiful, and I love the environment at Brown. The hockey team was a huge factor as well— the coaches are amazing, and I felt a connection with the program. Overall, it just felt like the right fit.”
Zoe Li
Forward | Pickering, Ontario, Canada | University of Toronto Schools
- Played for Central York Jr. Panthers, scoring eight goals and adding 21 assists in 46 games
- Assistant Captain in 2023 and 2024
- 2022, 2023, 2024 TDCAA A Champions
- Four-sport athlete, playing soccer, hockey, field hockey and cross country
- 2022 Donald Glendinning Award for sportsmanship
- 2023-2024 W. Bruce MacLean Mathletic Award for high academic standing in Advanced Functions in concert with proficiency in school and athletics.
Planned Concentration: Undecided
Why Brown?: “I chose Brown for its amazing academics, athletic facilities, the ice hockey team and beautiful campus and location.”
Avery Lian
Defense | Duluth, Minn. | Duluth Marshall School
- Played for Northern Elite U19
- 47 assists and 18 goals in 77 games in high school
- 2023-24 Minnesota Class A All-State Honorable Mention
- 2023-24 All Lake Superior Conference Team
- 2023-24 DNT All-Area Team
- DMHS Defensive Player of the Year in 2022-23 and 2023-24
Planned Concentration: Health and Human Biology
Why Brown?: “Because of the rigorous academics, beautiful location, competitive conference, and amazing coaching staff.”
Grace Morin
Right Wing | Basking Ridge, N.J. | Shattuck-St. Mary’s
- Played for Mid Fairfield CT Stars and East Coast Wizards
- NEPSAC Elite Eight Semifinalst in 2023-24 and NEPSAC Elite Eight Quarterfinalist in 2021-22 and 2022-23
- Patsy K. Odden Tournament Champion in 2023-24
- USA Hockey Player Development 16/17 Camp in both 2023 and 2024 and 15 Camp in 2022.
- All-Founders League Award in 2023
- Ray Murray Achievement Award
- High Honor Roll from 2021-25
Planned Concentration: Business Economics
Why Brown?: “I chose Brown for its rigorous academics, Open Curriculum, and vibrant community along with its competitive ice hockey program.”
Cadence Richards
Defense | St. Albert, Alberta, Canada | St. Albert Catholic High School
- Played for Edmonton Jr. Oilers White, scoring 24 goals with 37 assists in 88 games
- 2025 Esso Cup Champion
- ESSO Kids Scholarship Program: Most Dedicated Athlete Award
- St. Albert Raiders Top Defense Award
- Honors received every year from grades 7-12
Planned Concentration: Biology
Why Brown?: “I chose Brown because their open curriculum gives me the freedom to explore biology and biotechnology alongside creative courses. I also chose Brown because of the welcoming culture of the women’s hockey program and the school’s strong support for student-athletes.”
Ella Warcop
Right Wing | Mississauga, Ontario, Canada | Holy Name of Mary College School
- Played for Oakville Junior Hornets in 2024-25
- 2024-25 Stoney Creek Showcase Bronze Division Finalist with Oakville Junior Hornets
- 2023-24 Mid-Am Conference Champions and USA Hockey Nationals Participant with Culver Girls Academy 19U Prep
- 2022-23 Kitchener Waterloo USA Canada Cup Silver Division Champion and Ontario Provincials Silver Medal with North York Storm U18AA
- Honor Roll and Mustang Honor Roll
Planned Concentration: Biology and Economics
Why Brown?: “Brown's open curriculum gives me the opportunity to take classes in several fields of study before deciding on the most suitable path. Studying a range of courses from biology to economics will help to gain a better understanding of what I want to study most intensely. The diversity of the student population, quality of educators, commitment to developing hockey players at the highest level, along with the amazing campus and location all contributed to making Brown my number one choice for University.”
