St. Cloud State will not renew the contract of women’s head coach Jason Lesteberg, according to the St. Cloud Times.
Lesteberg’s departure comes despite his team’s 15-8 finish after a 3-10-1 start. The finish included wins over Frozen Four teams St. Lawrence and Wisconsin (both teams were ranked No. 1 at the time), the program’s first sweep of three-time NCAA champion Minnesota-Duluth, and a first-ever trip to the WCHA semifinals. Lesteberg went 45-87-6 in his four seasons.
According to the Times, senior captain Randie Jelinski said that Lesteberg’s coaching did not suit the team, and that players were concerned that the team’s strong finish would improve his chances of returning. Players were generally frustrated that they were kept in the dark as Lesteberg’s status was decided.
