August 15, 2007 - Courtesy Wesleyan Sports Information

MIDDLETOWN, Conn. - After nine seasons as an assistant coach at St. Lawrence University, Jodi McKenna has been named faculty head coach for women's ice hockey at Wesleyan University, it was announced by Athletics Director John Biddiscombe.  She replaces 12-year veteran head coach Donna Wright, who announced her resignation in June for personal reasons. 

A 1998 graduate of Brown University, McKenna was an outstanding defender on the Bears women's ice hockey squad.  During her four seasons, the final one as a team captain, McKenna saw her Brown team capture an ECAC regular-season or tournament title three times.  In McKenna's senior year, Brown played in the first-ever women's ice hockey national championship contest, falling to the University of New Hampshire.  In her nine seasons with St. Lawrence as an assistant, McKenna helped the Saints qualify for the NCAA Championship five times, making it to the Frozen Four on each occasion and playing in the title game in 2001.

A certified strength and conditioning coach, McKenna developed and monitored the year-round training program of the Saints women's ice hockey squad.  During the off-season, she was active as a USA Hockey coach including action with the 18-19 Junior Olympic Festival and the 15-16 Festival in 2004 as well as with the Atlantic, Mid-Atlantic and Rocky Mountain District Player Development programs. After receiving her B.A. from Brown in 1998, McKenna added a Master's degree at St. Lawrence in 2000.

"Wesleyan is very fortunate to have Jodi McKenna join our faculty coaching staff," said Biddiscombe. "She has both played and coached at the premier level of women's collegiate ice hockey. Her experience and recruiting contacts will be a tremendous asset to the Wesleyan's program."

McKenna inherits a program which plays in the most competitive Division III conference in the country, the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) and was one of the pioneers in women's ice hockey, becoming a varsity program during the 1977-78 season.  McKenna is the ninth individual to direct the Cardinals women's ice hockey team as it heads into its 31st campaign

For more information: 
Brian Katten, Sports Information Director, Wesleyan University