Rachel Kawleski, 26, and her partner won the Mixed Doubles Nationals over the weekend in Bemidji. Her biggest fan, her brother Steve. Rachel Kawleski honors her late brother Steve, who taught her to curl, keeping his photo close as she competes and finds strength on the ice. Abby Makay / WDAYAnd that led to the national championships, and Rachel's gold medal win over the weekend, captured in an incredible snapshot. Rachel Kawleski looks at her brother Steve Kawleski's picture after the gold medal match on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, at the Bemidji Curling Club.