Amber Steinhilpert is the daughter of Ada Chapman and Charles Gustave Steinhilpert, Jr., of Anchorage, Alaska. Her late maternal grandparents are Louise Luke of Healy Lake, and Wayne Jay Sheldon Chapman of Candle, Alaska. Her late paternal grandparents are Ramona Butler of Nenana, and Charles Gustave Steinhilpert, Sr., of Superior, Wisconsin.
Her core memories as a child are attending potlatches where she was able to meet distant relatives and enjoy time with her parents and siblings, and attending the Native Olympic Games where she watched her brother compete.
At age 10, Steinhilpert’s love for hockey began. Her dedication and contributions to her teams led them to win several championships throughout high school:
- Second place in the 2016 National Championship with the Allstar’s Tier II U16 Girls Hockey team
- The 2016 Pacific District Championship with her Allstar team
- The 2017 National Championship with the Anchorage NorthStar’s Tier II U16 Girls Hockey – marking the seventh team win in Alaska’s history
- The 2017 Pacific District Championship with the NorthStar team
- The 2019 Alaska Girls High School Hockey State Championship with the South-Bartlett High School Girls Hockey team, where she was Captain of the team
In fall 2019, Steinhilpert attended Alvernia University in Reading, PA, and started as a forward on their college’s inaugural ice women’s hockey team. In 2020-21, Steinhilpert made the Second Team All-MAC Forward. She played her 100th career game on Saturday, February 10, 2024. On December 2, 2023, she had her 100th career blocked shots. She is the first player in Alvernia University history to reach both milestones. In 2024, she and her team won their second Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) title championship back-to-back as they won in 2023. She also has been on the UCHC All-Academic and MAC Academic Honor Roll.
In May 2023, she graduated with a bachelor’s in science in Nursing degree and passed the NCLEX exam. She is working as a full-time registered nurse, while taking master’s courses in Nursing. She also works part time helping young kids learn how to ice skate. Amber is on her second term on the Mendas Cha-ag Native Corporation Board of Directors.
Steinhilpert says that although she is not living at home, it’s important to continue to serve in the native community and gain insight for the future.
“Home will always be part of my life and I am thankful that the shareholders of Mendas Cha-ag Native Corporation have voted for me to be on the board of directors of my second term,” said Steinhilpert.
Steinhilpert’s advice to the next generation is to “keep pushing to achieve your dreams. Nothing is easy or given to you and it takes hard work and perseverance to accomplish your goals. Always remember your roots because that has shaped you into the person you are today. Home will always be home”
