In a groundbreaking development for the NHL, Jessica Campbell has been appointed to the Seattle Kraken coaching staff, marking the first time a woman has served as a full-time coach in the league's history. Her journey to this historic role reflects a series of trailblazing firsts in professional hockey.
A Coach of Many Firsts
Campbell's resume is filled with pioneering achievements. In 2022, she became the first woman to coach in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Coachella Valley Firebirds. Her expertise in managing the team's power play contributed significantly to the Firebirds' successes, particularly in player development. Under her guidance, Tye Kartye, a forward she worked closely with, won the 2023 AHL Dudley "Red" Garrett Award for most outstanding rookie.
Before her tenure in the AHL, Campbell broke new ground on the international stage. She was the first woman to coach a men's national team during the 2022 IIHF Men's World Championship with Team Germany and worked with Kraken goaltender Philipp Grubauer during the same championship. Her commitment to player development and team leadership was also evident in her role as an assistant coach with the Nurnberg Ice Tigers in 2021.
From Player to Coach
Jessica Campbell's coaching career is built on a solid foundation of her accomplishments as a player. During the 2014-15 season, she served as the team captain in the first-ever CWHL All-Star Game, showcasing her leadership skills early on. Transitioning from player to coach, Campbell has worked as a power-skating coach for top athletes, including Natalie Spooner and Joel Edmundson.
As she joins the Kraken, Campbell brings with her not just experience but a philosophy rooted in hard work and continuous improvement. "For me, that's what it's about. Just putting my head down and doing the work. You know, where it takes me it takes me, but I'm obviously honored to be on this path and continue to just do the good work that it takes to hopefully reach that goal," Campbell stated.
Impact on the Kraken's Development
Kraken coach Dan Bylsma, who has worked closely with Campbell in Coachella Valley, expressed his confidence in her ability to develop players and build strong relationships. "During our tenure in Coachella Valley, I saw firsthand Jessica's commitment to player development. Her ability to establish relationships with her players, specifically Tye Kartye, Shane Wright, and Ryker Evans, was an important factor in this hire. I'm looking forward to continuing to work with her at the NHL level," Bylsma said.
Campbell's role with the Kraken will likely include heading the team’s power play, an area where she has proven expertise. Her success in developing players such as Kartye, who scored 20 points (11 goals, nine assists) over 77 games for the Kraken, underscores her ability to elevate talent and have a lasting impact.
Moving Forward with a Growth Mindset
Campbell's journey is characterized by her growth mindset and dedication to excellence. "I'm a big believer in just keeping a growth mindset every day. Obviously, my goal is to continue to coach at the highest level, but timelines aren't necessary for me and definitely not where my focus is," she explained. Her approach to coaching is unwavering, focusing on immediate tasks rather than long-term accolades—although the accolades have certainly followed her.
Her appointment is more than just a personal milestone; it’s a significant step forward for gender representation in sports. Campbell herself remains humble about the historic nature of her role. "I just focused on the task at hand in coaching, but absolutely, it's obviously a tremendous opportunity and I'm honored to be where I am and to be—it's a humbling feeling to be a part of the Kraken organization," she remarked.
As the Seattle Kraken move towards future seasons, the inclusion of Jessica Campbell in the coaching staff brings a wealth of experience, a record of breaking barriers, and an unfaltering commitment to player development. Her appointment is not just a nod to her past achievements but a beacon for future possibilities in the NHL and beyond.