Caroline Butt’s inspiring journey to Torino 2025

At the Torino 2025 FISU World University Games, where inclusivity, passion for sport and cultural diversity are at the core, one individual quietly embodies these values: German ice hockey official Caroline Butt.

Her story is not just about hockey; it’s about breaking barriers, redefining what it means to be a woman in a traditionally male-dominated space, and creating opportunities for others to follow.

From player to official: a pivotal career shift

Caroline’s journey in ice hockey started at the age of seven, and by her teenage years, she was playing on a junior team. In 2008, her talent led her to the German Women’s Ice Hockey League (DFEL) and earned her a spot on the German national team for the World Women’s Under-18 Championship in Calgary, Canada.

“After the World Championships in 2008, I chose to study rather than continue playing. In Germany, there were simply no professional opportunities for women in hockey,” Caroline reflects.

It was during this time that a referee-in-chief in her home country encouraged her to consider officiating. He insisted they “couldn’t let go of a talent like her” and that she stay in hockey and become a referee. Initially unsure, Caroline soon realised that officiating offered her a new challenge. “I thought, ‘Holy sh*t, this is a completely different world,’” she laughs. “Yes, we’re all there to see the athletes but I realised there are people on the ice making decisions, being brave, and staying on top of things. That’s something I love about being a referee.”

Paving the way for female officials

Since transitioning to officiating in 2009, Caroline has become a trailblazer for women in the sport. She began refereeing for the regional association, moved on to officiate for the Deutscher Eishockey-Bund (DEB) in 2010, and in 2011, she earned her spot with the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). Her career reached a significant milestone with her nomination as a referee for the 2023 IIHF U18 Worlds in Sweden.

“I think women should raise other women and advocate for each other because we belong in this game,” she says. In Germany, Caroline has exclusively refereed men’s games. “Being mixed on the ice as men and women referees is the best thing ever. There’s no balance like it anywhere else,” she shares.  “We’re not trying to tell men, ‘Hey, we’re better than you.’ It’s about saying, ‘We want to be here, we want to learn with you, and we want to support each other.’”

The German official has also been part of the broader evolution of attitudes toward female officiating in sports. “When I started, people didn’t like feminine women officiating. Long hair, mascara, nails—those things were not welcomed in hockey, even in women’s sports,” she recalls. However, over time, the landscape has changed.

“We can do all of these things—with or without makeup—and still be taken seriously. We are finally allowed to be women,” she says, with a smile. “People are starting to realise that professionalism, personality, and strength can coexist.”

Big ambitions

Looking ahead, Caroline has big ambitions. “I want to be at the A Pool World Championship and the Olympics.” Her invitation to the 2024 NHL Exposure Combine in Buffalo, where she was one of the first European women ever invited, was a huge step in that direction.

The 34-year-old has witnessed significant progress in the women’s game over the past decade. “You can see the difference in the women’s game, especially in the last 10 years. They’re skating better, they’re faster, their shots are stronger. It’s amazing to see the growth.” And as a referee, she’s committed to supporting this progress.

While officiating has been a life-changing experience for Butt, it’s not her only career. “In my personal life, I’m the Head of Procurement at my company,” she shares. “It’s changed my personality in the best way. It’s allowed me to make better decisions, be bold, and grow as a person.”

She concluded her officiating duties at these FISU Games women’s competition by refereeing the bronze-medal match, where Japan defeated Slovakia 2-1 in a closely contested match.

Her focus continues to be on the next generation of female referees. “Nobody knows how cool and important officiating is,” she says. “It’s been life-changing for me, and I hope to show other women that they can make a difference in the game too.”

FISU is also active in promoting a programme to encourage young people to take up refereeing. Find out more about YouRef here.

The take place from 13-23 January. Watch all the competitions live on . Click on the link to find the full schedule.

Written by Mackenzie Barwell, FISU Young Reporter, Canada

The Young Reporters Programme exemplifies FISU’s commitment to more than sports competitions. At every FISU World University Games, a group of talented aspiring sports journalists are chosen to cover the competition.

We warmly thank FISU Official Partner Qiaodan Ltd. which provides remarkable uniforms to FISU Family and International Technical Officials since 2015. Qiaodan is a valuable partner for FISU as it continued to provide its support during the postponement of events due to the global pandemic, and recently extended the relationship with FISU up to and including 2025.