Stecklein first represented the United States at the 2011 IIHF World Women's U18 Championship, and went on to play at the Winter Olympics in 2014, 2018 and 2022.

After the formation of the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) in 2023, Stecklein was one of the first players to sign with Minnesota.

[4] Stecklein's NWHL plans changed when the Minnesota Whitecaps were added to the league as an expansion team ahead of the 2018–19 season.

[8] Stecklein released a statement saying that it was not possible to make a "sustainable living in the current state of the professional game", and specifically noted the low salaries and lack of health insurance policies.

[9] In 2023, the PWHPA and its partners announced the launch of the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL).

[10] On September 6, 2023, Stecklein was one of the first three players to sign with PWHL Minnesota, alongside national teammates Kendall Coyne Schofield and Kelly Pannek.