26 Best Curling Players in United States of America: A Historical Perspective

Matt Reynolds

The United States of America is home to some of the best curling players in the world. Curling is a sport that is growing in popularity in the U.S. and offers a great competitive platform for athletes. From Olympic gold medalists to national champions, the U.S.

has seen its share of curling champions come through its ranks. This article will highlight the top curling players from the U.S. and provide a brief overview of their accomplishments and accolades.

1. John Shuster

John Shuster is an accomplished American curler who hails from Superior, Wisconsin. He made history in 2018 by leading Team USA to a gold medal victory in curling at the Winter Olympics, the first time an American team had ever won gold in the sport.

This was a remarkable achievement for Shuster, who had previously won a bronze medal at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin. His success in the sport has made him an inspiration to many curlers, both in the United States and abroad.

Shuster is a testament to the power of determination and dedication, and his achievements will continue to serve as motivation for future curlers.

2. Chris Plys

Christopher Plys is an accomplished American curler from Duluth, Minnesota. He has achieved several impressive titles, including Junior World Champion and two-time National Men’s Champion.

At the 2010 Winter Olympics, Christopher was an alternate for the United States men’s team. More recently, at the 2022 Winter Olympics, Christopher was a member of both the men’s team and the mixed doubles team.

This demonstrates his versatility and commitment to the sport of curling. Christopher’s success is a testament to the dedication and hard work he has put into the sport. He is an inspiring role model for aspiring curlers and athletes everywhere.

3. Matt Hamilton

Matthew James Hamilton is an impressive figure in the world of American curling. Originally hailing from McFarland, Wisconsin, Hamilton has managed to make a name for himself on the international curling scene.

He is a World Junior Champion, having taken home the gold in the 2013 World Junior Championships.

Hamilton has also earned a bronze medal in the World Men’s Curling Championship in 2018, and is an Olympic gold medalist, having competed as part of the USA team in the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Currently, Hamilton plays second for the John Shuster team based out of Duluth, Minnesota. He is an integral part of the team, helping to lead them to victory in the 2018 World Men’s Curling Championship and the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Hamilton’s impressive career in curling is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.

4. Tabitha Peterson

Tabitha Skelly Peterson is a prominent figure in the world of American curling. She hails from Minneapolis, Minnesota and has achieved a great deal of success in her curling career.

In 2010, she won a bronze medal at the World Junior Championships and went on to win three women’s national championships. She is currently the skip of her own team, having made the switch from third to skip in the 2020 off-season.

This is a significant change for her, as it requires her to take on more responsibility in terms of team strategy and decisions. She is an excellent example of the dedication and commitment needed to succeed in the sport of curling.

With her impressive career accomplishments, it’s clear that Tabitha Skelly Peterson is a great role model for aspiring curlers.

5. Korey Dropkin

Korey Dropkin is an American curler who hails from Southborough, Massachusetts. Dropkin is a two-time national champion and two-time world mixed doubles bronze medalist. He began curling in 2010 and, since then, has become one of the top curlers in the United States.

He was a member of the US team that won the gold medal at the 2018 World Mixed Doubles Championship.A passionate and dedicated athlete, Dropkin is also a realtor and a father of four children. He is a certified instructor and coach with USA Curling.

He works with the organization to promote the sport of curling to the younger generation. He also serves on the United States Curling Association Board of Directors. Dropkin is an inspiration for aspiring curlers and athletes.

His hard work and dedication have paid off as he has achieved success on the curling rink and in his real estate career. His journey is an example of how dedication and hard work can lead to success in any field.

6. John Landsteiner

John Landsteiner is a remarkable athlete who is notable for his accomplishments in the sport of curling. He has competed in the Winter Olympics twice, achieving impressive results. In 2014, he competed in the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

Although he did not come away with any medals, his involvement in the games was noteworthy. In 2018, he was part of the United States Olympic team that won gold at the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

This was a major achievement for Landsteiner and his team, led by John Shuster. His gold medal win was a testament to his skill and dedication to the sport of curling.

Landsteiner’s success in the Winter Olympics further cements his place as one of the best curlers in the world.

7. Rich Ruohonen

Richard Ruohonen is an accomplished American curler from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. He has achieved great success at the national level, having won two national championships.

As a result of his impressive performances, Ruohonen was selected to represent the United States at the 2008 and 2018 World Men’s Curling Championships. This is a testament to his skill and dedication, as only the best of the best are chosen to compete in this prestigious event.

Ruohonen’s two national championship wins have contributed to the success of the U.S. curling team. His experience and knowledge of the game have been invaluable in helping the team, as well as inspiring and motivating his fellow players.

He is a leader on and off the ice, and his presence within the team has been an integral part of their success. At the World Men’s Curling Championships, Ruohonen and his teammates put in a valiant effort, but were unable to bring home the gold.

Despite this, they should be proud of their accomplishments. The opportunity to compete at the highest level is an honor, and the experience of playing against the world’s best is invaluable. Richard Ruohonen is a true champion in the sport of curling.

He has proven himself to be an outstanding athlete and an invaluable asset to the U.S. team. His success is an inspiration for all those who aspire to be the best in their field.

8. Nina Roth

Nina Marie Roth is a retired American curler from McFarland, Wisconsin. She is known for her impressive accomplishments in curling, most notably her participation in two Winter Olympic Games.

She was the skip of the American women’s team at the 2018 Winter Olympics held in Pyeongchang, South Korea. During the tournament, she and her team placed seventh overall, making them the best U.S. women’s curling team to ever compete in the Olympics.

Additionally, she returned to the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China as the third on the American team. Roth is a highly respected athlete in the curling world and continues to be an inspiration to many curlers.

9. Colin Hufman

Colin Hufman is an American curler who hails from Fairbanks, Alaska but now resides in Seattle. He has been involved in curling for quite some time, first joining the USA Curling Board in August 2017.

He then took his commitment to the sport further when he became the USA Curling Athlete Representative for the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee Athletes Advisory Council in December 2020.

This is a significant role as it allows him to represent the voices of American curlers at the highest level. He also serves as an advocate for curling, helping to ensure that the sport is well-represented and receives the recognition it deserves.

With his long-term commitment to the sport, he is a true champion for curling in the United States.

10. Vicky Persinger

Victoria “Vicky” Persinger is an accomplished athlete from Fairbanks, Alaska. She is best known for her work in the sport of curling, which she has been involved in since a young age.

Persinger has achieved impressive success in curling, winning three United States Women’s National Championship titles.

This feat is made even more remarkable by the fact that curling is a relatively niche sport in the United States, so Persinger’s accomplishments are even more impressive.

Persinger is a respected and well-known figure in the curling community, and her achievements have earned her a great deal of respect and admiration. She is an inspiration to many aspiring curlers and an example of what is possible with dedication and hard work.

11. Tyler George

Tyler George is an incredibly accomplished American curler from Duluth, Minnesota. He has won three U.S. championships and is a bronze medalist from the 2016 World Championships.

In 2018, Tyler achieved the highest honor any curler could receive when he won an Olympic gold medal. Following his Olympic success, Tyler decided to take a break from competitive curling. Instead of playing, he has been dedicating his time to encouraging and teaching the sport.

As an ambassador and coach, Tyler is using his experience to help the next generation reach their highest potential. He is a true inspiration to all aspiring curlers.

12. Joel Jacobson

Joel Jacobson is an accomplished American curler. At the national level, he has achieved success as a men’s champion in 1997 and as a mixed champion in 1986.

On top of that, he has also been successful at the state level in North Dakota, winning four championships in men’s curling and eight in mixed curling. This impressive tally of titles shows Joel’s dedication to curling and his skill at the sport.

His dedication has been rewarded with several titles, each of which is a testament to his achievements. Joel Jacobson is an exemplary American curler who has earned the respect of fellow curlers and fans alike.

13. Kroy Nernberger

Kroy Everett Nernberger is an American curler from Madison, Wisconsin. Curling is a sport that involves players sliding stones on a sheet of ice toward a target area, which is segmented into four concentric circles.

Kroy is a very successful athlete in this sport, having won a bronze medal at the 2016 World Men’s Curling Championship. He was an alternate on Team USA which was led by John Shuster, the skip of the team.

The World Men’s Curling Championship is the highest level of international curling competition, and Kroy’s success in the tournament is a testament to his skills and determination.

He has been a member of several curling teams throughout his career and has consistently demonstrated excellence in the sport. His passion for curling started at an early age and has since grown into a successful career.

Kroy is an inspiration to aspiring curlers who strive to reach the top of the sport.

14. Mike Farbelow

Mike Farbelow is an American athlete who specializes in the sport of curling. He has competed in various competitions throughout the United States and abroad.

He is currently based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he is part of a curling club. Mike Farbelow has been curling for several years and is well-known in the curling community. He has won numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the sport.

He has also been featured in several documentaries and news articles about the sport. Mike Farbelow is passionate about curling and loves to share his knowledge and enthusiasm with others.

He is often seen giving demonstrations at local clubs and schools, as well as attending curling tournaments.

He regularly holds seminars and classes about different aspects of the sport and is an advocate for the growth of curling in the United States.In addition to his involvement in curling, Mike Farbelow is also an active member of the Minneapolis community.

He participates in various charity events and is often seen volunteering at various organizations. He is a devoted family man who takes pride in his city. Mike Farbelow is an inspiring figure in the curling community and beyond.

His dedication and commitment to the sport and to the people of Minneapolis are admirable. He is a shining example of an athlete who is passionate about his sport, and a true ambassador for the city.

15. Cory Thiesse

Cory Thiesse is an accomplished curler from Duluth, Minnesota. She is a highly decorated athlete, having won the U.S. curling championship in 2021.

She is the defending champion skip, meaning that she is the team leader, and she is the one who ultimately calls the shots for the team. Cory is not only an excellent curler, but also an excellent leader.

Her leadership skills were on full display at the 2022 World Women’s Curling Championship, where she was the skip for the U.S. team. Her strong performance and leadership enabled the team to place in the top eight in the championship.

Cory Thiesse is a highly talented and accomplished curler, and her dedication to the sport of curling is evident in her achievements.

16. Joe Polo

Joseph Polo is a curler from the United States who is most famous for his success in the Winter Olympics. At the 2006 Winter Olympics, he won a bronze medal.

This was followed up by his accomplishment of being the alternate on the gold-medal-winning United States men’s team at the 2018 Winter Olympics. Polo was born and raised in Floodwood, Minnesota.

However, at some point in his life, he decided to move to Cass Lake which is located in the same state.

17. Madison Bear

Madison Bear is an accomplished American curler from Portage, Wisconsin. She has achieved great success in the sport at a young age, competing in various tournaments and championships. As a junior curler, Bear was a two-time United States champion and a World runner-up.

This is an impressive accomplishment for someone so young, as it demonstrates her dedication and skill in the sport. Bear has been competing since she was a young child, and has been successful in her endeavors.

She has competed at the highest levels of her age group and achieved great success in doing so. She has won two United States championships and was a runner-up in the World Championship.

This is a testament to her skill and dedication to the sport and shows her commitment to excellence in curling. Madison Bear is a great example to young athletes everywhere.

She has shown that hard work and dedication can pay off and that it is possible to achieve great success in any sport.

She is an inspiration to young people who want to pursue their dreams in curling and provides a great example of what can be achieved with dedication and focus.

18. Greg Persinger

Greg Persinger is an accomplished American curler. He was born in Fairbanks, Alaska and is currently a member of Team USA.

In 2018, he competed in the World Men’s Curling Championship and represented the United States proudly. At the 2020 United States Men’s Championship, Persinger competed alongside his teammates on Team Ruohonen.

The team earned a silver medal in the tournament, ultimately losing to the formidable Team Shuster in the finals.

Despite the loss, Persinger and Team Ruohonen put forth a remarkable effort, showcasing their skill and determination throughout the tournament. Persinger has made a name for himself in the world of curling.

He has shown remarkable dedication to the sport and has consistently demonstrated excellence on the ice. With his determination and competitive spirit, Persinger has become a leader in the sport and is sure to continue his success in the future.

19. Jamie Sinclair

Jamie Ann Sinclair is an incredible athlete who has achieved a great deal of success in the sport of curling. She hails from Osgoode, Ontario and is a three-time U.S. National Champion.

Her impressive resume in the curling world has inspired many people to take up the sport. Her U.S. Curling Association membership is through the Charlotte Curling Association in Charlotte, North Carolina, which she has a strong connection to.

She has a number of personal connections in Charlotte, which likely stem from her time spent competing in the area. Her dedication to the sport has certainly paid off, as she is now a three-time U.S.

National Champion. Jamie Ann Sinclair is a true inspiration to all who have followed her journey in the sport. She has proven that hard work and dedication can lead to great success. Her example serves to motivate us all to strive for excellence in whatever we set our minds to.

20. Luc Violette

Luc Violette is an accomplished curler from Edmonds, Washington. He has won five United States Junior titles in his career and has also achieved notable success on the international stage.

At the 2016 Winter Youth Olympics, he won a silver medal, and at the 2017 World Junior Championships he earned another silver. His performance at these events has made him one of the most successful junior curlers in the United States.

He is an excellent role model for aspiring curlers around the world, showing that hard work and dedication can lead to success.

21. John Benton

John Benton is an American curler from Plymouth, Minnesota. He is known for his participation in the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, where he competed on John Shuster’s team. Benton has been a curler for many years and is passionate about the sport.

He has won several competitions and has even competed in the U.S. Nationals. Benton was an integral part of the team that competed in the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. His participation helped the team to a fifth-place finish in the event. He was also part of the U.S.

team that competed in the 2008 World Championships, where they achieved a third-place finish. Benton has achieved a great deal of success in curling. He is a passionate competitor who loves the sport and strives to be the best.

He is also a great role model for aspiring curlers, as he shows that hard work and dedication can lead to achieving one’s goals.

22. Jeff Isaacson

Jeff Isaacson is a highly accomplished athlete, having competed in the sport of curling for the United States at two Olympic Games. He made his Olympic debut in 2010 when he was selected to be part of the US men’s curling team for the Vancouver Winter Olympics.

Four years later, he was chosen to represent the US again at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. During his Olympic career, Jeff has achieved success on the world stage, helping the US men’s curling team to a number of important victories.

He is widely regarded as one of the top curlers in the world, and his performances have earned him numerous accolades throughout his career.

23. Allison Pottinger

Allison Pottinger is an American curler from Eden Prairie, Minnesota. She is a high-profile figure in the sport of curling, having competed in multiple Olympics and World Championships with the American team captained by Debbie McCormick.

Pottinger and her teammates won the bronze medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada, making her an Olympic medalist. After that event, McCormick left the team in 2010, leaving Pottinger and the rest of the team to compete without her.

Pottinger continued competing in the sport, eventually joining the team of Erika Brown in 2013, with whom she won a bronze medal at the 2014 World Championships. She has remained an important part of the USA Curling team ever since.

24. Greg Romaniuk

Greg Romaniuk is a curler from both Canada and the United States. He was born in Snohomish, Washington, but grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Romaniuk has achieved success in curling at a national level, having won the United States men’s championship in 2001.

This success has helped to establish him as one of the top curlers in North America. Romaniuk has been involved in the sport of curling for most of his life. He started playing when he was a young child in Winnipeg, and his talent soon became apparent.

As he grew older, his skill level increased and he began competing at a higher level.

He eventually won the 2001 United States men’s championship, which was a major achievement for him. Since winning the championship, Romaniuk has continued to compete in curling tournaments across the United States and Canada.

He has also been involved in coaching and giving lectures on the sport. His experience and knowledge of the game have made him a valuable asset to the curling community. Overall, Greg Romaniuk is an accomplished curler who has achieved a great deal of success in the sport.

He is a Canadian-American curler from Snohomish, Washington who grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba and is a 2001 United States men’s champion curler.

His accomplishments in the sport have earned him a great deal of respect in the curling community, making him one of the most respected curlers in North America.

25. Becca Hamilton

Rebecca Lynn Hamilton is an American curler from McFarland, Wisconsin. She has accomplished a great deal in her career as a curler, including two national women’s championships, two national junior championships, and two Olympic appearances.

Hamilton first became involved in curling when she was just 10 years old, and quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the top curlers in the United States.

Her success on the international stage is even more impressive, having represented the US at the Winter Olympics in 2006 and 2014.

She has also won multiple international events, including the World Junior Curling Championships in 2003 and the International Cup of Curling in 2006.

Her dedication to the sport has been a major factor in her success, and she continues to work hard to maintain her high level of performance. Hamilton is an inspiration to aspiring curlers, and her commitment to the sport is something that many can learn from.

26. Tara Peterson

Tara S. Peterson is an American curler from Shoreview, Minnesota. She is a dedicated athlete, having been involved in the sport of curling for many years. Her current role in the sport is playing lead for her sister, Tabitha.

Curling is a winter sport in which players take turns sliding stones down a sheet of ice towards a target area or house. The lead is the first person to throw the stones and is responsible for setting the pace and direction of the game.

Tara has been competing in curling for some time and has developed her skills to the point where she is now a lead player for her sister’s team. This speaks to her commitment to the sport, and the amount of time and effort she puts into it.

She is an example of a dedicated athlete who has worked hard to become a skilled curler. With Tara’s leadership, her sister’s team is sure to have a successful season.

Conclusion

The best curling players in the United States of America are some of the most talented athletes in the entire world. From Olympic gold medalists to World Champions, the USA has a long and storied history of producing some of the best curlers on the planet.

The USA has some of the best curlers in the world, and their success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaches who have worked tirelessly to reach the highest levels of the sport.

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Matt Reynolds

As a sports journalist and news reporter, my passion lies in covering Olympic sports and bringing the excitement of these events to readers around the world. With extensive experience in sports reporting, I have developed a deep understanding of the intricacies and dynamics of various Olympic disciplines. My goal as a journalist is to provide accurate, insightful, and engaging coverage of Olympic sports. From capturing the triumphs and challenges of athletes to analyzing their performances and strategies, I strive to deliver comprehensive stories that resonate with sports enthusiasts. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to journalistic integrity, I aim to go beyond mere reporting by delving into the human stories behind the athletes. By highlighting their journeys, sacrifices, and aspirations, I seek to create meaningful connections between readers and the world of Olympic sports. Whether it's track and field, swimming, gymnastics, or any other Olympic sport, I am dedicated to delivering timely news updates, captivating features, and thought-provoking analysis. Through my writing, I aim to inspire readers with the incredible feats accomplished by athletes on the global stage. Join me on this exhilarating journey as we dive into the world of Olympic sports together. Let's celebrate athleticism at its finest while uncovering compelling stories that showcase both triumphs and tribulations. Together, we can experience firsthand the thrill of sporting excellence in all its glory through my dedicated coverage as a passionate sports journalist and news reporter specializing in Olympic sports.