Courtney Kessel is the new head coach of the Princeton University women's hockey program. She stepped into the role left vacant by new PHWL Vancouver general manager Cara Gardner Morey.
As she steps into a new role in the NCAA, it marked the end of her tenure as head coach for the PWHL's Boston Fleet.
While it's rare to see a coach move from pro to college, for Kessel it was an opportunity to take over a role she'd dreamed of holding at Princeton, where she served as an assistant prior to taking over as head coach of the Boston Fleet.
The Fleet are grateful for Kessel's contributions to helping them establish a culture and competitive roster in the PWHL's inaugural season and year two.
“I am so grateful to have had Courtney Kessel as the inaugural head coach for the Boston Fleet," said Fleet general manager Danielle Marmer. "I can’t imagine building this team and culture with anyone else. Courtney set the tone from day one and elevated our group with her competitiveness, preparation, and care. She’s already established herself as an elite coach early in her career, and I know she’ll continue to raise the bar as the next head coach at Princeton. From all of us at the Fleet, we wish her the very best in this next chapter.”
Kessel helped guide the Fleet to game five of the Walter Cup finals in the league's first season before missing the playoffs this year.
Boston has yet to announce a replacement, although skills coach Courtney Kennedy is rumoured to be the frontrunner for the position.