The Yale Women's Hockey team, also known as the Yale Bulldogs, is a collegiate ice hockey team that represents Yale University in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I. The team competes in the ECAC Hockey conference, which is one of the most competitive conferences in women's college hockey. With a rich history dating back to 1977, the Yale Women's Hockey team has established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of college athletics.
Located in New Haven, Connecticut, the team plays its home games at the Ingalls Rink, a state-of-the-art facility that seats over 3,500 fans. The Ingalls Rink has been the home of the Yale Bulldogs since 1959 and has undergone several renovations to provide a top-notch experience for players and spectators alike. The team is led by head coach, Mark Bolding, who has been at the helm since 2010 and has guided the team to several winning seasons and playoff appearances.
Team History and Achievements
The Yale Women’s Hockey team has a long and storied history, with several notable achievements and milestones. The team won its first Ivy League championship in 2005 and has since become a regular contender for the title. In 2010, the team made its first appearance in the NCAA Tournament, where they faced off against the University of Minnesota. Although they ultimately fell short, the team’s performance marked a significant milestone in the program’s history.
In recent years, the team has continued to build on its success, with several players earning All-American and All-Ivy League honors. The team has also produced several players who have gone on to compete at the international level, including Olympic athletes and members of the US Women's National Team. With a strong focus on academics and athletics, the Yale Women's Hockey team has established itself as a model of excellence in collegiate sports.
Conference and Playoff Performance
The Yale Women’s Hockey team competes in the ECAC Hockey conference, which is comprised of 12 teams from across the Northeast. The conference is known for its highly competitive games and talented players, and the Yale Bulldogs have consistently been a top contender. In recent years, the team has finished in the top half of the conference standings, earning them a spot in the ECAC playoffs.
In the playoffs, the team has had several notable performances, including a trip to the ECAC championship game in 2019. Although they ultimately fell short, the team's performance marked a significant milestone in the program's history. With a strong core of returning players and a talented group of newcomers, the Yale Women's Hockey team is poised to make another deep run in the playoffs in the coming years.
| Season | Conference Record | Playoff Finish |
|---|---|---|
| 2019-2020 | 12-8-2 | ECAC Semifinals |
| 2018-2019 | 13-7-2 | ECAC Championship Game |
| 2017-2018 | 10-10-2 | ECAC Quarterfinals |
Player Development and Recruiting
The Yale Women’s Hockey team has a strong commitment to player development and recruiting. The team’s coaching staff works closely with players to develop their skills and help them reach their full potential. The team also has a strong recruiting pipeline, with a focus on attracting top talent from across the country.
The team's recruiting efforts are led by associate head coach, Jessica Koizumi, who has a strong track record of attracting top players to the program. The team's recruiting philosophy is centered around finding players who are not only talented on the ice but also strong students and good teammates. With a focus on developing well-rounded student-athletes, the Yale Women's Hockey team has established itself as a destination program for top players.
Notable Alumni
The Yale Women’s Hockey team has produced several notable alumni who have gone on to compete at the highest levels. One of the team’s most notable alumni is Phoebe Staenz, who played for the team from 2013-2017 and is currently a member of the Swiss Women’s National Team. Another notable alumna is Jamie Haddad, who played for the team from 2007-2011 and is currently a coach in the ECAC Hockey conference.
The team's alumni network is strong and active, with many former players staying involved with the program and supporting current players. With a focus on developing strong relationships and a sense of community, the Yale Women's Hockey team has established itself as a program that produces not only talented players but also strong, confident women.
- Phoebe Staenz: Swiss Women's National Team member and Olympic athlete
- Jamie Haddad: ECAC Hockey conference coach and former Yale player
- Alyssa Zupon: US Women's National Team member and former Yale player
What conference does the Yale Women’s Hockey team compete in?
+The Yale Women’s Hockey team competes in the ECAC Hockey conference, which is comprised of 12 teams from across the Northeast.
Who is the head coach of the Yale Women’s Hockey team?
+The head coach of the Yale Women’s Hockey team is Mark Bolding, who has been at the helm since 2010.
What is the name of the Yale Women’s Hockey team’s home rink?
+The Yale Women’s Hockey team plays its home games at the Ingalls Rink, a state-of-the-art facility that seats over 3,500 fans.
