Nadine Muzerall has been named the fourth head coach in Ohio State women’s history.
Muzerall replaces Jenny Potter, who was let go earlier this offseason after several NCAA violations.
“Our journey to excellence in women’s ice hockey begins,” said OSU senior associate athletics director Diana Sabau said in a statement. “Nadine Muzerall has earned a reputation as one of the top coaches in the sport. She is uniquely qualified as the leader of our program. She has won four NCAA national championships as a coach. She has more than 15 years of experience both nationally and internationally, played professionally in Europe and had a record-setting career as a student-athlete.
“Nadine is a teacher and an exact fit with the core values that we hold dearly at The Ohio State University.”
A two-time All-American at Minnesota, Muzerall spent five years behind the bench as an assistant coach with the Golden Gophers. The first women’s hockey player to be inducted into her university’s hall of fame, she helped guide her former team to four national championships and five-consecutive spots in the title game. A prolific player in her own right, she still sits atop the all-time goals scored list with 139 and graduated as the career points leader for Minnesota.
“I’m so grateful and humbled for the opportunity to coach the women’s ice hockey team at The Ohio State University,” Muzerall added. “The opportunity to work with [director of athletics] Gene Smith, Diana Sabau, and the rest of this support staff is such an honor for me. I’m proud to be the newest member of the Buckeye family. The respect this university receives from around the country and around the world is unparalleled.”
Earlier this year, Muzerall was named an assistant coach for Canada’s National Women’s Development Team, specifically with the U18 team, one of four coaches on the staff.
Prior to her return to Minneapolis, Muzerall made a couple significant career stops. She spent two seasons playing for Hockey Club Lugano in Switzerland, skating on the first line and leading her team in both points and goals. During her tenure, the team won a Swiss National Championship and advanced to the European Cup, where they won a bronze medal.
She also was a teacher and hockey coach at Northfield Mount Hermon School in Mt. Hermon, Mass., from 2002 to 2009. In addition to serving as the head women’s coach, Muzerall was a physical education teacher. She also has contributed as an instructor to several well-known hockey camps, helping young hockey players across the country.
“I’d like to thank the University of Minnesota for everything it has given me over my career,” Muzerall said. “To be able to coach at my alma mater means more than words can say, and to be a part of the group of players that helped build the program into what it is now is something I will always cherish.
“That being said, I’m ready to hit the ground running. We have the potential and the talent to make great things happen for this program. I’m really looking forward to getting to know these young women, as well as the opportunity to serve as a mentor for them and not just make them better hockey players, but more importantly to prepare them as they enter the real world.”
