Mckendree University Women's Hockey Division
McKendree University is home to one of the most exciting and dynamic women's hockey programs in the United States. The program has a proud history of success and has produced some of the top female hockey players in the country. If you're a fan of women's hockey or just looking to learn more about this incredible program, you've come to the right place.
The History of McKendree University Women's Hockey
The McKendree University Women's Hockey program was established in 2012 and has been growing in popularity ever since. The team started off as a club team and played against other club teams from around the country. The program became an official NCAA Division II team in 2019 and has continued to improve and excel at the college level.
The program has a rich history of success, particularly in recent years. In the 2019-2020 season, the team finished with a record of 19-5-1 and advanced to the ACHA National Championship Tournament. The team has also won numerous conference championships and individual awards.
The Coaches
The McKendree University Women's Hockey program is led by Head Coach Derek Flanagan. Flanagan has been with the program since it started and has been instrumental in the program's growth and success. He is a former college hockey player himself and has a wealth of experience in coaching both men's and women's hockey.
The coaching staff also includes Assistant Coaches JD Schmidt and Nicole Levandusky. Schmidt has been with the program since 2017 and has been instrumental in developing the team's offensive play. Levandusky joined the program in 2019 and has helped to improve the team's defense and goaltending.
The Players
The McKendree University Women's Hockey team is made up of some of the top female hockey players in the country. The team has a great mix of experienced veterans and talented young players. The roster includes players from all over the United States and Canada.
Some of the top players on the team include senior forward Maddie Sattler, junior defenseman Paige Stacey, and freshman forward Olivia Mattson. Sattler has been a key player for the program since her freshman year and is known for her speed and scoring ability. Stacey is a strong defensive player who can also contribute on offense. Mattson is a talented young player who has already made a big impact in her first season with the team.
The Facilities
The McKendree University Women's Hockey team practices and plays home games at the historic McKendree MetroRec Plex in O'Fallon, Illinois. The MetroRec Plex is a state-of-the-art facility that includes two NHL-sized ice rinks, a fitness center, and numerous other amenities.
The team also has access to other top-notch facilities on the McKendree University campus, including a modern weight room, athletic training room, and team meeting rooms.
The Future of the Program
The future of the McKendree University Women's Hockey program is bright. The team has continued to improve and add talented players each year. The program has a strong commitment to developing the whole student-athlete and providing a great college hockey experience.
The team's move to NCAA Division II status in 2019 has opened up new opportunities for the program and allowed the team to compete at an even higher level. The team is poised for continued success both on and off the ice.
Conclusion
The McKendree University Women's Hockey program is an exciting and dynamic program that has a rich history of success. The program is led by a talented coaching staff and features some of the top players in the country. The team plays in top-notch facilities and has a bright future ahead. If you're a fan of women's hockey, you won't want to miss out on this incredible program.