Concordia University Wisconsin Women's Hockey
Ice hockey has long been dominated by male athletes, but women's hockey is quickly gaining ground. One team in particular that is making waves in collegiate women's hockey is the Concordia University Wisconsin Women's Hockey team. This team has been steadily climbing the ranks of collegiate hockey and making a name for themselves in the process. Let's take a closer look at this rising force in women's hockey.
A Brief History of Concordia University Wisconsin Women's Hockey
Concordia University Wisconsin is a private liberal arts university located in Mequon, Wisconsin. The university was founded in 1881 and has a long history of academic and athletic excellence. The women's hockey program at Concordia was established in 2007 and has since grown into a formidable force in collegiate women's hockey.
The team competes in the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHA) and has consistently placed in the top half of the conference standings. In the 2019-2020 season, the team earned their first-ever NCHA postseason win, defeating the St. Scholastica Saints in a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory. The team ultimately fell to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in the NCHA semifinals, but their historic win was a major accomplishment for the program.
The Players of Concordia University Wisconsin Women's Hockey
The success of the Concordia University Wisconsin Women's Hockey team is due in large part to the talented student-athletes that make up the roster. The team is led by head coach Jackie Koester, who has been with the program since its inception. Coach Koester has a wealth of coaching experience and has been instrumental in building the team into a competitive force in collegiate hockey.
One standout player on the team is senior goaltender Ellie Woodman. Woodman has been a force in net for the Falcons and has earned numerous accolades for her performances, including being named the NCHA Defensive Player of the Week on multiple occasions. Another player to watch is junior forward Ally Hull. Hull is a consistent offensive threat for the Falcons and was among the team's leading scorers in the 2019-2020 season.
The Impact of Concordia University Wisconsin Women's Hockey
The Concordia University Wisconsin Women's Hockey team is not only making an impact on the ice, but also off the ice. The team is heavily involved in community service and has partnered with numerous organizations to give back to the community. One of these organizations is the MACC Fund (Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer), which the team has supported through various events and initiatives.
In addition to their community service efforts, the team is also helping to pave the way for women's sports. Women's hockey, like many women's sports, has historically received less attention and funding than men's sports. The success of the Concordia University Wisconsin Women's Hockey team is a step towards changing this disparity and proving that women's sports are just as competitive and exciting as men's sports.
Final Thoughts
The Concordia University Wisconsin Women's Hockey team is undoubtedly a rising force in collegiate women's hockey. Their success on the ice and their impact off the ice are a testament to the talent and dedication of the student-athletes and coaches involved in the program. As women's sports continue to gain traction and recognition, it is programs like the Concordia University Wisconsin Women's Hockey team that are helping to pave the way for future generations of female athletes.