Jessica Campbell has made history, becoming the first woman to hold a full-time coaching position in the NHL. Her appointment as an assistant coach for the Seattle Kraken marks a significant milestone not only in hockey but in the broader world of professional sports, where men have traditionally dominated coaching roles. In this blog, we explore Jessica Campbell’s background, her rise in the hockey world, and her impact on the sport.
A Groundbreaking Hire: Jessica Campbell Joins the Kraken
On a historic afternoon in Seattle, the NHL welcomed its first female coach, Jessica Campbell. With the Seattle Kraken’s hiring of Dan Bylsma as head coach, Campbell’s journey took a significant turn. Bylsma brought Campbell up from the Kraken’s AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, where she had served as one of his top assistants. Her promotion was celebrated across the league, as she became the first full-time female coach in NHL history.
Campbell’s rise to the NHL marks an incredible achievement for women in hockey and professional sports. What was once seen as impossible has now become a reality, as women continue to break barriers in male-dominated fields.
Who is Jessica Campbell?
Jessica Campbell is a 32-year-old trailblazer who has earned her place in the NHL through hard work, dedication, and skill. Before joining the Kraken, Campbell spent two years as an assistant coach for the Coachella Valley Firebirds in the AHL. When the Kraken appointed Bylsma as their head coach, he recognized the value Campbell brought to his coaching staff and brought her along to the NHL.
But before Campbell became a coach, she had an impressive playing career. From 2010 to 2020, Campbell was a standout on the ice, playing 10 years of high-level hockey. She was a star at Cornell University, where she helped lead the Big Red to a Frozen Four appearance. On the international stage, Campbell played for Team Canada, earning a gold medal at the 2010 U18 World Championships and a silver at the 2015 World Championships in Sweden.
After retiring from her playing career in 2017, Campbell shifted her focus to coaching. She quickly made a name for herself, working with players like Tyson Jost, Joel Edmundson, and Natalie Spooner to improve their skating and skills. Her success in developing players caught the attention of the Firebirds, who hired her in 2022. Now, she has taken the next step in her career by joining the Kraken in the NHL.
Campbell’s Impact on the Kraken
As an assistant coach for the Seattle Kraken, Jessica Campbell has a critical role in shaping the team’s success. She primarily works with the forwards, focusing on improving their skating, skill development, and overall performance. Campbell also plays a significant role in running the Kraken’s power play, helping to sharpen the team’s offensive strategies.
Seattle Kraken general manager Ron Francis spoke highly of Campbell’s background, highlighting her ability to develop players and enhance their skating skills. Her expertise and fresh perspective have already made an impact, and she continues to bring innovative ideas to the coaching staff.
Moreover, Campbell’s experience in the AHL with Coachella Valley has already paid off. She helped guide the Firebirds to two consecutive AHL championship round appearances, proving her coaching abilities on a highly competitive stage.
Breaking Barriers Beyond the Ice
While Jessica Campbell’s influence on the Kraken is substantial, her impact extends far beyond the ice. As the first full-time female coach in the NHL, Campbell serves as a role model for young girls and women around the world who aspire to pursue careers in hockey or other sports. Her success demonstrates that gender should not be a barrier to reaching the highest levels of professional sports.
Campbell acknowledges the significance of her role, understanding that many young women will look up to her. “There’s still at the forefront the thoughts of other women and other people who have the same aspirations as I do,” Campbell said in an interview with NHL.com. “So, to carry that torch every day… it definitely puts meaning into the work.”
For Campbell, the journey has not always been easy. She has faced obstacles, including gender-based discrimination, but she never allowed others to define her limits. “If you get put in a box, or you allow others to put you in a box, then you get stuck,” she said. “I tried to count on myself just to do the work, and if opportunities came, that was what it was about. The impact will speak for itself.”
The Road Ahead for Jessica Campbell and the Kraken
The Seattle Kraken have high hopes for the upcoming season, and Jessica Campbell is set to play a pivotal role in helping the team reach the playoffs after a challenging 2024 campaign. Her coaching expertise, particularly with the forwards and power play, could be the key to elevating the Kraken’s performance on the ice.
But for Campbell, coaching is not just about wins and losses. It’s about creating a lasting impact and paving the way for future generations of women in hockey. She has already made history, but her journey is far from over. As she continues to work with the Kraken, Campbell’s influence will only grow, both on and off the ice.
Conclusion
Jessica Campbell’s appointment as the first full-time female coach in NHL history is a monumental achievement for women in sports. Her journey from a star player at Cornell and Team Canada to a successful coach in the AHL and now the NHL is a testament to her
dedication and skill. Campbell has broken down barriers in a male-dominated industry, inspiring countless young women along the way. As she embarks on this new chapter with the Seattle Kraken, there’s no doubt that her impact on the team and the hockey world will be profound.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Jessica Campbell?
Jessica Campbell is the first full-time female assistant coach in NHL history. She joined the Seattle Kraken in 2024 after serving as an assistant coach in the AHL with the Coachella Valley Firebirds.
2. What role does Jessica Campbell play with the Kraken?
Campbell works primarily with the Kraken’s forwards, focusing on improving their skating, skill development, and offensive strategies. She also plays a key role in running the team’s power play.
3. What was Jessica Campbell’s playing career like?
Before coaching, Campbell had a successful playing career. She played 10 years of high-level hockey, starred at Cornell University, and represented Team Canada in international competitions.
4. How did Jessica Campbell become the first female coach in the NHL?
Campbell’s rise to the NHL came after two seasons as an assistant coach in the AHL. When Dan Bylsma, her head coach in Coachella Valley, was hired by the Seattle Kraken, he brought Campbell with him to the NHL.
5. What does Jessica Campbell’s appointment mean for women in sports?
Campbell’s appointment as the first full-time female NHL coach is a significant milestone for women in sports, showing that gender should not be a barrier to reaching the highest levels of professional sports.