Brianne McLaughlin is a 2005 graduate of Elyria Catholic High School, where she played basketball, softball, volleyball, and ran track.

McLaughlin made her mark as a goalie at Robert Morris University. In her collegiate career, she set the NCAA record for saves (3,809) and finished with a .910 career save percentage.

She went on to earn All-Star honors as a member of the NWHL Buffalo Beauts, and finished her professional career winning the 2017 Isobel Cup (NWHL version of the Stanley Cup) and was named MVP of the Playoffs. The 6-10-1 Beauts upset the 16-1 Boston Pride in the championship game.

McLaughlin was a teammate of Kelli Stack Jachym on the 2010 and 2014 silver medal USA Olympic teams.