Troy, MI — (March 29, 2024) The American Collegiate Hockey Association announced today that Jason White from Midland University has been awarded the 2023-2024 Women’s Division One Coach of the Year award, for the second year in a row. This is White’s third Coach of the Year award after winning the award last year, and in 2018-2019.
“Jason white has put in countless hours of work and dedication to build the midland program on and off the ice. From his recruiting, to getting his players to buy into his systems, and most importantly winning hockey games is why Midland University is atop the ACHA each year and competing for a National Championship,” said Tom Lange, Maryville University Head Coach, and awards committee member.
White took over the Head Coaching position for the Warriors before the 2017-2018 season. He led his team to an impressive 29-1-0-2 regular season record. They did not lose a regular season game until the league playoff championship game. Midland University competes in the Women’s Midwest College Hockey League (WMCH) which has all eight of their members ranked in the top 15 of the ACHA Women’s 1 Division. The Warriors were WMCH tournament runners-up with a 3-2 regulation loss to Liberty University. White was named the 2023-2024 WMCH Coach of the Year. Katie McNair has been named to the second all-tournament team this season. Two of his players have also received first team all-American honors this season, Kayla Flanigan, and Hannah Stone. Stone was the 2023 Zoe Harris Player of the Year award winner. Both have an opportunity to be named the 2024 Zoe Harris Player of the Year, which will be announced tomorrow, March 30th.
“This season overall went great for our team. We were able to set team records and create new “firsts” within our program. We would not have had the success we had without coach Whitey. Not only does he push us to be our best on the ice, but also in the classroom and in the gym. He loves coaching the game, and it shows in the sacrifices he makes every single day for our team. He goes above and beyond what is expected from him, and in return, inspires us players to give more to the program. Throughout all our success this season, Whitey never once took any credit, but instead made it known after every game that it was us players who were behind it all. Our team could not be more excited for Whitey to be named coach of the year, and to get the credit he deserves!” said Midland University Co-Captain, and Senior, Kayla Flanigan.
“I look at what Midland accomplished with their unbeaten regular season, and what was most impressive to me is that I didn’t think they held a wide skill advantage over many teams. To get the job done game after game - not by having all the best players but by being a great team - is a testament to their commitment, determination, and preparation, all of which comes from Jason White at the top,” said Derek Pallardy, Head Coach at McKendree University, and awards committee member. Other finalists for the award were Arizona State University Head Coach, Lindsey Ellis, and Lake Superior State University Head Coach, Matt Parker.
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 seven coaches in the division.
