Mikayla Demaiter was born and raised in Canada, a country where hockey is more than just a sport—it’s part of the culture. Growing up, she was no stranger to the rink. Before she became known as an international model, Mikayla was already recognized in the sports community for her role as a talented ice hockey player. Her early years were spent balancing two passions—athletics and fashion—which would eventually merge to shape her unique identity.
Her decision to pursue both paths wasn’t random. Canada, with its strong hockey culture, gave Mikayla a stage to sharpen her athleticism, while her eye for style and love for creativity pushed her toward the world of fashion.
Video: From Hockey to High Fashion: The Rise of Model Mikayla Demaiter
The Ice Hockey Career That Started It All
Mikayla wasn’t just another fan of hockey—she played competitively. She was part of the Hawks PWHL Jr. team, showing determination and grit on the ice. For many young women, balancing academics and sports is a challenge in itself, but Mikayla managed to stand out. Her time on the team gave her confidence, discipline, and the resilience that she would later carry into her modeling career.
While she eventually transitioned away from competitive hockey, her background as an athlete became an integral part of her personal brand. Even today, her fans often refer to her as the “hockey girl turned model,” a label that has only added to her uniqueness in the modeling world.
A Leap Into Modeling
Mikayla’s modeling career began in 2017, when she first started sharing professional photography on Instagram. What started as simple photos quickly grew into a full-fledged career. Her confidence in front of the camera, combined with her athletic past, created a powerful blend that made her stand out in a crowded modeling industry.
Video: Mikayla Demaiter: A Biography Of An Instagram Model
She wasn’t just another influencer showing outfits—Mikayla crafted an identity. By posting consistently, choosing creative settings, and engaging directly with her audience, she quickly built a loyal following. As of August 2025, Mikayla has gained 3.1 million followers on Instagram and 2.8 million followers on TikTok, platforms where she regularly showcases her style, travels, and personality.
SportX Influencer and Brand Collaborations
Mikayla’s success didn’t happen by chance. She aligned herself with key brands, becoming a SportX ambassador and working with agencies such as Verge Agency. These partnerships solidified her position as both a digital influencer and a professional model.
Through SportX, she connected her athletic background with lifestyle promotion, blending fitness, sports, and fashion seamlessly. By doing so, she appealed not just to modeling fans, but also to sports enthusiasts, fitness communities, and lifestyle audiences.
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Her brand partnerships go beyond selling products—they highlight her versatility as both an athlete and a fashion icon, making her relatable yet aspirational to millions worldwide.
Education and Academic Accomplishments
While her social media fame often takes the spotlight, Mikayla also focused on her academics. She is a graduate of Western University, where she continued to shape her skills and future opportunities. Education gave her the foundation to make strategic decisions in her career, ensuring that her success wasn’t built only on looks, but also on planning and professionalism.
Family Life and Relationships
Behind the spotlight, Mikayla’s personal life has also drawn attention. She was previously linked to Dan Davies, but later began dating professional NHL hockey player Kurtis Gabriel. Their relationship connected her even further to the hockey world, creating a blend between her past career in sports and her present role in the entertainment and modeling industries.
While her romantic life has gained headlines, Mikayla continues to keep her focus primarily on her professional growth and personal brand development.
Social Media Stardom
Social media has been the key driver of Mikayla’s success. With over 6 million combined followers on Instagram and TikTok, she has transformed her platforms into more than just photo albums. She uses them as storytelling spaces—showcasing her outfits, travels, and everyday lifestyle while maintaining authenticity that resonates with fans.
What makes Mikayla different from many other influencers is her consistency and creativity. She often posts content in unique locations, experimenting with fashion styles that range from sporty chic to high-end glamour. This variety keeps her audience engaged and sets her apart in a competitive industry.
Comparisons and Inspirations
Mikayla’s career path is often compared to other models who share athletic roots. Figures like Simon Loof and Anna Flanagan—both athletes who pursued modeling—are often mentioned alongside her. But Mikayla has carved out a lane of her own, blending her ice hockey background with her strong digital presence to build a personal brand that feels fresh and authentic.
Her journey also inspires young women who are balancing sports, education, and creative pursuits. Mikayla proves that it’s possible to reinvent yourself while staying true to your passions.
The Present and Future of Mikayla Demaiter
As of now, Mikayla’s career shows no signs of slowing down. With millions of followers, agency representation, and brand partnerships, she continues to expand her influence in both modeling and lifestyle industries.
Her future likely holds more collaborations with global brands, greater involvement in sports-related campaigns, and possibly even ventures into television or media. Given her ability to connect with audiences across platforms, Mikayla is positioned as not just a model, but a multi-dimensional influencer with long-term potential.
Mikayla Demaiter’s story is one of reinvention and resilience. She went from skating on Canadian hockey rinks to becoming an international modeling star with millions of fans. Her career blends athletics, education, digital influence, and fashion in a way that feels both unique and modern.
What makes Mikayla so inspiring is not just her success—it’s how she has built it. Through consistency, authenticity, and passion, she has transformed herself into a global figure who embodies the idea that you can pursue more than one dream. Today, she stands as proof that with vision and determination, the leap from ice hockey to high fashion isn’t just possible—it can be extraordinary.
