Jessica Campbell Makes History with Seattle Kraken Coaching Appointment
In a groundbreaking move for the NHL, Jessica Campbell has been named to the Seattle Kraken coaching staff, making her the first woman to serve as a full-time coach in the league's history. This appointment not only shatters a significant glass ceiling but also heralds a new era of inclusivity and diversity in professional hockey.
A Trailblazing Career
Campbell's journey to this historic moment is marked by a series of notable achievements. Before joining the Kraken, she was an assistant coach with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, where she played a pivotal role in managing the team's power play. Her efforts did not go unnoticed, leading her to become the first woman to coach in the American Hockey League (AHL) in 2022.
During the 2014-15 season, Campbell served as team captain in the inaugural Canadian Women's Hockey League (CWHL) All-Star Game, showcasing her leadership both on and off the ice. Additionally, Campbell broke barriers by coaching a men's national team during the 2022 IIHF Men's World Championship with Team Germany, further solidifying her reputation as a versatile and highly-skilled coach.
Player Development Prodigy
Campbell's commitment to player development is evident in her work with rising stars like Tye Kartye, Shane Wright, and Ryker Evans. Under her guidance, Kartye flourished and clinched the 2023 AHL Dudley "Red" Garrett Award for the most outstanding rookie. Kartye's performance under Campbell's mentorship, scoring 20 points with 11 goals and nine assists over 77 games for the Kraken, underscores her effectiveness as a coach.
Kraken coach Dan Bylsma, who worked alongside Campbell in Coachella Valley, commended her ability to forge strong relationships with players. “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 stated.
Focus and Humility
Campbell's response to her groundbreaking appointment has been one of focus and humility. “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 expressed.
Her dedication to her craft and growth mindset is evident in her philosophy. “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 added.
Despite her numerous accomplishments, Campbell remains grounded and focused on her daily responsibilities. “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 remarked.
An Impact Beyond the Kraken
In addition to her extensive coaching resume, Campbell has also contributed as a power-skating coach for a number of elite athletes, including Natalie Spooner and Joel Edmundson. Her work during the 2022 IIHF Men's World Championship with Kraken goaltender Philipp Grubauer further emphasizes her versatility and ability to bring out the best in her players.
Looking ahead, Campbell is expected to play a critical role in heading the Kraken's power play. Her experience and strategic acumen will undoubtedly be valuable assets for the team as they aim for success in the upcoming seasons.
In a final noteworthy move, the Seattle Kraken signed 2024 Stanley Cup champion Brandon Montour, signaling their determination to build a robust and competitive team. With Campbell on the coaching staff, the Kraken are making strides towards becoming a formidable force in the NHL, guided by a groundbreaking coach who embodies the future of the sport.