Boston Fleet skills coach Courtney Kennedy has been named the head coach of USA's 2026 U-18 national team that will play in the 2026 U-18 World Championships in Nova Scotia, Canada.
Kennedy will be joined by NCAA coaches Shelly Picard (Long Island University), Greg May (Minnesota), and Mackenzie Bruch (Minnesota State), as well as Chris Bailey on her staff.
Haley Skarupa will serve as general manager for USA's U-18 national team. She is currently the head scout for USA's senior national team.
“We’re excited for the coaching staff led by Courtney Kennedy and Haley Skarupa,” said Katie Million, USA Hockey’s director of women’s national team programs. “Each coach brings a wealth of experience and we’re looking forward to having them lead the team in January.
Kennedy served as the assistant coach for USA's U-18 team at the 2025 U-18 World Championships and was an assistant coach for USA's senior national team at the 202 Olympics, and 2021 World Championships.
Last season she joined the PWHL's Boston Fleet as a skills coach.
Last year USA won silver at the U-18 World Championships.
The 2026 tournament will take place from January 10-18 in Sydney and Membertou, Nova Scotia.