As NCAA women's hockey continues to evolve in an era of for intense competition for recruits, the PWHL, and NIL opportunities, so too are programs evolving the role of their staff. This week, the next step in that evolution occurred as the University of Minnesota named Jess Scott the first general manager in NCAA women's hockey history who will have recruiting and coaching abilities.
Scott started with the Minnesota Golden Gophers in 2019 as Director of Hockey Operations spending three seasons in the role before being promoted to an assistant coach the last three seasons.
“In the constantly evolving landscape of college athletics, staying ahead of the curve is essential,” said head coach Brad Frost. “Jess’s experience, insight and approach make her a perfect fit for this role.“
The newly created role will keep Scott as an assistant coach, while also giving her new responsibilities as a general manager including leading all domestic and international recruiting, player evaluations, campus visits for prospective student-athletes, logistical planning, program budget, and as a liaison to NIL services, and program academics, compliance, financial aid, housing, communications and marketing.
In many ways, the new role will mimic the responsibilities for general managers in the PWHL without the ability to hire or fire staff for the program.
Replacing Scott in her former role is Ryan Kearney, who joins the team as Director of Hockey operations and Video Analytics after three seasons working with Colgate and the NAHL's Maryland Black Bears.
The Golden Gopher Women’s Hockey program has announced two staff updates ahead of the 2025-26 season. Assistant Coach Jess Scott has been promoted to General Manager/Assistant Coach and Ryan Kearney has been hired as Director of Operations and Video Analytics.