Minnesota-Duluth announces search committee for new women’s coach

Minnesota-Duluth on Monday launched the search for the next head women’s hockey coach and also named a 10-member search advisory committee.

This past December, it was announced that current coach Shannon Miller would not be retained after the 2014-15 season.

“The Bulldogs have great student-athletes, history and facilities and we are committed to building upon that tradition,” said UMD athletics director Josh Berlo in a statement. “We are seeking the next leader for our program who will guide our women’s hockey student-athletes to achieve at the highest levels in the classroom, competition and community. The search for our next coach demands a thorough and inclusive process. We have already begun communicating with potential applicants across the country, and are committed to seeking a national and diverse pool of candidates for head coach. The position has been posted publicly and all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.”

The search advisory committee includes UMD assistant athletic director Abbey Strong, who will serve as the committee chair, Augsburg head coach and former UMD player Michelle McAteer, UMD associate vice chancellor Kim Riordan, current Bulldogs’ players Ashleigh Brykaliuk and Sidney Morin, UMD associate professor of accounting Dr. Rodger Brannan, Minnesota-Duluth director of the International Education Office Leigh Neys, Duluith Icebreakers U-10 assistant coach and UMD alumna Amy Marxhausen, UMD assistant athletic director and assistant sports administrator for women’s hockey Jay Finnerty and Minnesota-Duluth assistant athletic trainer for women’s hockey Jacqueline Phillips.

The committee will work closely over the coming weeks with chancellor Lendley Black, Berlo, associate athletic director and senior women’s administrator Karen Stromme and NCAA faculty athletic representative Dr. Stephen Castleberry of the Labovitz School of Business, in selecting the coach.

“We appreciate the selection advisory committee members making time for this important search,” added Berlo. “The quality and diversity of the committee is evidence of the strong commitment that UMD and the Northland community have to Bulldog women’s hockey. Early indications are of a high level of interest in this attractive position. Given the success, facilities, support and tradition of UMD women’s hockey we are confident in a bright future for the program.”