Rachel Kawleski and Connor Kauffman overcame personal challenges to win the 2026 Mixed Doubles National Curling Championship in Bemidji, Minnesota. The Fargo curler honored her late brother by carrying his photo throughout the tournament, culminating in an emotional victory. They will represent the United States at the World Championship in Geneva, Switzerland, this April.
The 2026 Mixed Doubles National Curling Championship concluded on Sunday at the Bemidji Curling Club with an improbable triumph for Rachel Kawleski of Fargo, North Dakota, and Connor Kauffman of Blaine, Minnesota. Despite entering as underdogs and navigating the tensions of their recent breakup, the pair secured the gold medal with an 8-4 victory over Ella Fleming and Jackson Bestland in the final.
Kawleski, 26, introduced to curling at age 8 by her brother Steven in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, has credited him with her success in the sport. Steven, a competitive curler, died suddenly in June at age 35. Kawleski carried a creased photo of him in her pocket during the event, showing it to the crowd after the win. "I loved my brother to bits and pieces," she said, fighting back tears. "I’m very much feeling him here today."
The duo, former romantic partners for two and a half years, ended their long-distance relationship amicably in December due to the demands of their curling schedules. They had already qualified for the nationals and decided to compete together. Pool play began strongly with a 5-0 record, but losses to Sarah Fenson and Andrew Stopera (7-0) and Fleming/Bestland (10-3) left them at 5-2 and spiraling amid poor communication.
A candid conversation led to improved positivity. They defeated Senneker/Visnich 6-4 in qualification, then upset the undefeated No. 1 seed Fenson/Stopera 6-4 in the semifinals. A pivotal fifth-end double by Kawleski shifted momentum. "She made a beauty, and I think that helped change the momentum," Kauffman said.
Their goal was merely to medal, but gold sends them to Switzerland. "It hasn’t set in yet," Kauffman noted. "I’m going to wear the flag on my back for the first time," Kawleski added, emphasizing the honor of representing 350 million Americans.
