Cayla Barnes is an American ice hockey defenseman known for her elite skating, strong defensive instincts, and ability to drive play from the blue line. Originally from California, she developed into one of the top young defenders in the country, earning multiple honors at the collegiate level. She began her NCAA career at Boston College before transferring to Ohio State, where she played a key role in helping the Buckeyes win the 2024 NCAA National Championship. Throughout her college years, she consistently earned All-America and All-Conference recognition, showcasing her reliability and two-way skill.

Barnes entered the Professional Women’s Hockey League as the fifth overall pick in the 2024 PWHL Draft, joining Montréal for her rookie season. She quickly became one of the league’s standout young defenders, leading rookie blueliners in scoring and taking on significant minutes in all situations. After an impressive first year, she signed a three-year contract with PWHL Seattle, positioning her as a foundational piece on the team’s blue line and one of the league’s most promising long-term talents.

Internationally, Barnes has been an important member of Team USA. She has earned both gold and silver medals at the Winter Olympics, competing in 2018 and 2022, and has contributed to multiple IIHF Women’s World Championship teams, where she has collected several golds and silvers. Her hockey IQ and consistency have made her a trusted presence on the international stage.