After a whirlwind celebration following their historic Olympic triumph, the U.S. men's hockey team has shared their golden moment with a rising star from a different arena. The mystery woman pictured proudly sporting one of the team's hard-earned gold medals has been revealed as Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model and DJ Xandra Pohl.
Golden Celebrations in Miami
Fresh off their dramatic overtime victory against rival Canada at the 2026 Winter Games in Italy, the American squad wasted no time kicking off their victory tour. The team, led by overtime hero Jack Hughes, jetted straight to Miami for a night of revelry at the famed E11EVEN nightclub, where the champagne flowed into the early hours.
The celebration wasn't just for the players. The festivities drew a glamorous crowd, including several Sports Illustrated Swimsuit models. Among them was Pohl, who was photographed beaming while wearing one of the team's precious gold medals around her neck, captioning the moment simply: "Happy monday."
More Than Just a Pretty Face
Xandra Pohl is far from an anonymous partygoer. With over 630,000 followers on Instagram, the Ohio native has carved out a multifaceted career. A graduate of the University of Miami with a degree in marketing, Pohl first gained viral attention on TikTok for her music passion before landing in the pages of Sports Illustrated.
Her career has skyrocketed since her SI Swimsuit debut in 2024. She has performed as a DJ at major events like the F1 Miami Grand Prix, EDC Orlando, and Lollapalooza, and has launched her own successful national tours. Her appearance at the hockey team's celebration bridges the worlds of elite sport and entertainment celebrity.
A Team Basking in Glory
The medal Pohl wore represents the pinnacle of achievement for the U.S. squad. Team captain Jack Hughes, who scored the championship-clinching goal, encapsulated the team's emotion in an interview with NBC. "This is all about our country right now. I love the U.S.A. I love my teammates, it's unbelievable," Hughes said. "The USA Hockey brotherhood, it's so strong. We had so much support from ex-players, and I'm so proud to be American today."
The victory marks a monumental moment for USA Hockey, restoring the men's program to the top of the Olympic podium. The win against Canada, their perennial rival, adds an extra layer of sweetness to the gold medal achievement.
From Nightclub to Nation's Capital
The team's celebration was a two-part affair. After the Miami festivities, the champions headed to Washington, D.C., to be honored at the State of the Union address, a traditional recognition for American Olympic heroes. This transition from nightclub celebration to formal political ceremony highlights the unique journey of Olympic athletes in the national spotlight.
For the NHL players on the roster, the Olympic break is now over, and the focus shifts back to the regular season grind. But the memory of their gold medal run—and the star-studded celebration that followed—will undoubtedly last a lifetime.
The intersection of sports triumph and pop culture was on full display in Miami, with Xandra Pohl's moment wearing the gold symbolizing how Olympic victory captivates audiences far beyond the traditional sports fan. It was a night where champions partied with influencers, and a piece of sporting history found a temporary home around the neck of a rising entertainment star.
