Jessica Campbell broke barriers in hockey when she became the first woman to serve as a coach in the NHL. On October 8, 2024, Campbell took her place behind the Seattle Kraken’s bench, marking a historic milestone not only for her career but for women in professional sports. This achievement solidifies her role as a pioneer in hockey, proving that hard work and determination can shatter glass ceilings.
Jessica Campbell’s Journey to NHL Coaching
The 32-year-old Campbell almost missed her chance to make history. She confessed in an interview that she initially didn’t open an email from Dan Bylsma, the Kraken’s head coach, as she assumed it was spam. It wasn’t until later that she realized the email
contained an offer that would change the course of her life. Bylsma had to send the email through her personal website with the subject line “coaching inquiry,” which almost went unnoticed. The irony of this near-miss moment only adds to the intrigue of her trailblazing career.
During the Seattle Kraken’s 3-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues on her debut night, ESPN’s broadcast team shared Campbell’s amusing story, with play-by-play announcer Mike Monaco saying, “How about this story… she thought it was spam!” The lighthearted moment on air underscored just how close Campbell came to missing the opportunity of a lifetime. Yet, there she was—making history.
From AHL to NHL: Campbell’s Coaching Credibility
Jessica Campbell’s entry into the NHL wasn’t a fluke. She had already cemented her place as a top-tier coach during her time with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the Kraken’s American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate. Bylsma specifically sought Campbell for the job,
stating, “Her ability to establish relationships with her players, specifically Tye Kartye, Shane Wright, and Ryker Evans, was an important factor in this hire.” Her reputation as a player-focused coach with a strong commitment to player development made her an obvious choice for the NHL.
Campbell had previously broken barriers in July 2022 when she became the first woman to coach in the AHL. Her tenure in Coachella Valley further prepared her for this leap, allowing her to bring her wealth of experience and player rapport to the NHL.
A Historic Achievement for Women in Sports
Jessica Campbell’s appointment as an NHL coach is an important step toward gender equality in sports. In her own words, Campbell said she was “humbled” by the honor and understood the significance of being the first female coach in the NHL’s 105-year history.
“I’m reminded often [to be making history] and it just puts a lot of meaning into the work,” she shared. However, she emphasized that her focus remains on the success of her team. “I try to really keep my eyes fixed on what matters every day… to stay in the trenches with the players.”
While being the first female coach in the NHL is a groundbreaking achievement, Campbell hopes it’s just the beginning. “I don’t want to be the only one,” she said, highlighting the importance of opening doors for other women in hockey and in professional sports at large.
From Player to Coach: Campbell’s Impressive Background
Before coaching, Jessica Campbell had an illustrious playing career. Born in Moosomin, Saskatchewan, Campbell was a standout player at Cornell University, where she served as the team captain. She later played professionally with the Calgary Inferno in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL) and the Malmo Redhawks in Sweden’s Division 1 league.
Her leadership abilities on the ice translated seamlessly into her coaching career. Campbell also earned accolades for leading Canada to a gold medal in the 2010 IIHF World Championship tournament, where she was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
Campbell’s Impact Beyond Hockey
Campbell’s contributions extend beyond the rink. She has used her platform to advocate for important causes. In her partnership with Canadian ice dancer and choreographer Asher Hill, Campbell worked on behalf of Do It For Daron, a mental health initiative aimed at encouraging young people to talk openly about mental illness.
Hill, her co-host on CBC Sports’ YouTube series That Figure Skating Show, supports FreedomSchool – Toronto, which advocates for educational alternatives and fights against anti-Black racism in the school system. Their collaboration reflects Campbell’s commitment to making a difference both in and out of the sports world.
Campbell’s Legacy: Inspiring the Next Generation
As Jessica Campbell continues her coaching career in the NHL, her journey serves as an inspiration to young girls and women around the world who dream of pursuing careers in male-dominated fields. Her story is proof that talent, passion, and persistence can break down barriers, even in the most traditional of spaces like the NHL.
Her impact on the game and on gender equality will be felt for years to come, as more women follow in her footsteps, proving that leadership in sports is not bound by gender.
Conclusion: A New Era for Women in Hockey
Jessica Campbell’s historic debut as the first female coach in the NHL is a testament to her dedication to the sport and to breaking down gender barriers. Her career trajectory from a talented player to a respected coach in professional hockey reflects her passion for the game and her commitment to making a lasting impact. By opening doors for other women and showing that leadership in hockey knows no gender, Campbell is paving the way for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Jessica Campbell’s husband?
While Jessica Campbell has achieved great success in her professional career, there is no widely available information about her husband or personal relationships. She tends to keep her private life out of the spotlight, focusing more on her groundbreaking achievements in hockey.
2. What team does Jessica Campbell coach?
Jessica Campbell is an assistant coach for the Seattle Kraken in the National Hockey League (NHL). She made history by becoming the first woman to serve in this role for an NHL team.
3. What is Jessica Campbell’s background in hockey?
Campbell has an extensive background in hockey, having captained Cornell University’s team and played professionally with the Calgary Inferno in the CWHL and the Malmo Redhawks in Sweden. She also led Canada to a gold medal at the 2010 IIHF World Championship.
4. How did Jessica Campbell get the NHL coaching job?
Campbell was recruited by Seattle Kraken head coach Dan Bylsma after the two worked together with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the Kraken’s AHL affiliate. Bylsma admired her ability to connect with players and her dedication to player development.
5. What challenges has Jessica Campbell faced as a female coach in the NHL?
As the first woman to coach in the NHL, Campbell has faced the challenge of breaking into a traditionally male-dominated field. However, her talent, dedication, and focus on player development have allowed her to excel, and she is paving the way for future female coaches.