W1 Announces National Coach of the Year

Troy, MI — (March 14, 2023)  Jason White from Midland University has been awarded the 2022-23 Women’s Division One Coach of the Year award, the American Collegiate Hockey Association announced today. This is White’s second Coach of the Year award after winning the award for the 2018-19 season.

 

White took over the Head Coaching position for the Warriors before the 2017-2018 season. White led his 2022-2023 team to a 26-4-1-4 record. Midland University competes in the Women’s Midwest College Hockey League which has all 8 of their members ranked in the top 15 of the ACHA Women’s 1 Division. The Warriors won the WMCH tournament championship with a 2-1 regulation win over Liberty University. White was named the 2022-23 WMCH Coach of the Year. Two of his players have received first team all-american honors this season, along with one of those players being named the Zoe Harris award winner.

When speaking to former Midland University player, Ally Conybear, she said, “His love for the game, no quit mentality, and his passion are what makes Whitey a good coach. He works tirelessly to make sure each day was a day to get better, a day to get out of your comfort zone, and grow. Most importantly, he thinks of all of his players as his family. He cares about our success and our growth as people, not just hockey players.”

“Whitey has a love for the game and his team that radiates off him. He is able to get his girls to buy into every single game and has given them the tools to be successful. Not only has he been a great coach for his team, but also been a great mentor and resource for me as a first-year coach. I couldn’t think of anyone better to receive Coach of the Year,” Amber Schaack, University of Jamestown first year ACHA Head Coach.

James Kezar, a member of the awards committee and Head Coach at the University of Colorado, said this about White, “I was aware right away with them first on our schedule, that Midland was a great team coming in and meeting Jason in person; he just had a great energy and professionalism. On the ice and the rankings it speaks for itself. They have an awesome program going there and you don’t get that level of play without great respect from your team. “

Other finalists for the award were University of Michigan Head Coach, Jenna Trubiano, and Arizona State University Head Coach, Lindsey Ellis.

Each league picks their Coach of the Year and those winners are the finalists for the ACHA Coach of the Year award. The Coach of the Year award is then decided on by the awards committee, which is made up of five coaches in the division.