Jackie MacMillan named 1st head coach of CSS Women's Hockey

"I was extremely blessed to be a part of the inaugural team at the University of Wisconsin. What I remember are many of the first moments: the first practice, game, road trip and all of my teammates who were a part of those first four years. I hope to help the first women's hockey players at St. Scholastica realize how truly unique they will be in the first years of the program."

-- Jackie MacMillan

A big thanks to BTD for pointing this out: Badger alum Jackie MacMillan was named head coach of St. Scholastica's new DIII Women's Hockey program. St. Scholastica, which previously had a successful club team, is elevating to the DIII level for the 2010-11 season and will be joining the NCHA. Current NCHA teams include UW-Eau Claire, UW-River Falls, UW-Stevens Point, UW-Superior, Concordia, Finlandia, and Lake Forest College. Also joining the NCHA will be current independent Adrian College (2009-10) and new programs at Marian University (2009-10) and St. Norbert College (2010-11).

About her new position, MacMillan says the following:

"I am extremely honored to be a part of building a program at such a great institution as St. Scholastica. Duluth is such a great hockey community and I am excited to be a part of something special. The kind of team we will hope to put together in these first few years is one that is determined, disciplined, unified, and out-works their opponents. I strongly believe if we can find student-athletes with those qualities, we will see success quickly in our program."

CSS AD Don Olson is highly complimentary about MacMillan:

The College of St. Scholastica is very excited to be initiating a women's intercollegiate hockey program.To be able to embark on this venture with a coach of Jackie MacMillan's experience, knowledge, energy, and leadership qualities only add to our enthusiasm. Jackie has a thorough understanding of the balance between academics and athletics at the Division III level and will be an excellent role model for her athletes.

MacMillan, who played in goal for the Badgers for 4 seasons, was part of the Badger Women's inaugural team and made 50 saves in the Badgers' 1st-ever game. She was named 1st-Team All-WCHA in 2000 and 2nd-Team All-WCHA in 2002, and her name is prominent in the Badgers' record book.

Congratulations, Jackie, and best of luck!