Michigan State University Women's Hockey
Michigan State University (MSU) is known for its prestigious academic programs and successful athletics teams. Among these teams is the women's hockey team, which has been a part of the MSU sports scene since 1997. The team has experienced highs and lows throughout its history, but its commitment to excellence and hard work has never wavered.
The Beginning of Women's Hockey at MSU
Michigan State University's women's hockey program began in 1997, when it became a varsity sport. Before that, women's hockey was a club sport at MSU. The team played its first game on October 10, 1997, against Wayne State University. Although MSU was defeated in that first game, the team went on to have a successful inaugural season with a record of 15-10-0.
The History of MSU Women's Hockey
Since its debut in 1997, the MSU women's hockey team has had its ups and downs. During its first few seasons, the team was relatively successful, with winning records every year until 2000-01. In the 2001-02 season, the team only won one game, which was a challenge for the program. Throughout the years, the team has continued to strive for excellence, winning various tournaments and individual awards.
One of the team's most successful seasons was the 2011-12 season, during which the team won its first Central Collegiate Women's Hockey Association (CCWHA) championship. The team also made it to the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) National Championships that year, where they placed fourth in the country. In the 2013-14 season, the team won another CCWHA championship and made it to the ACHA National Championships yet again, finishing in second place in the country.
The MSU women's hockey program has also produced various award-winning players, including CCWHA All-First Team selections and ACHA All-American selections. Cady Cohen, who played for the team from 2015-2019, was named the CCWHA Player of the Year twice during her time at MSU.
The Current MSU Women's Hockey Team
The MSU women's hockey team is currently coached by Ryan O'Reilly, who has been with the program since 2014. The team is made up of student-athletes who work hard both on and off the ice. The players are dedicated to their sport, academic studies, and community service.
Unfortunately, the team has faced several obstacles in recent years. Due to budget cuts, the MSU athletic department made the difficult decision to cut the women's varsity program, along with several other sports programs, after the 2020-2021 season. However, the team has not given up on its dreams and aspirations. They are currently working hard to continue their passion for hockey and hope to compete at the club level in the future.
How to Support MSU Women's Hockey
Supporting the MSU women's hockey program is easy. One of the best ways to do this is to attend the team's home games and cheer them on to victory. The team also accepts donations, which can help support their efforts to continue playing at the club level. Additionally, fans can follow the team on social media, where they can keep up with the latest news and updates about the program.
Conclusion
The MSU women's hockey program has a rich history, filled with triumphs and challenges. Although the program faces an uncertain future due to budget cuts, the team's spirit remains strong. With the support of fans and the MSU community, the women's hockey program can continue to thrive in the future.
