Breaking Barriers: Jessica Campbell Joins Seattle Kraken's Coaching Staff
In a historic move for the National Hockey League (NHL), Jessica Campbell has been appointed to the Seattle Kraken coaching staff, becoming the first woman to serve as a full-time coach in the league’s history.
Campbell's appointment is a testament to her extensive and diverse experience in the world of hockey. Prior to joining the Kraken, she had a notable stint with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, where she managed the team's power play and played a crucial role in player development. Her efforts didn’t go unnoticed, as indicated by Kraken coach Dan Bylsma, who remarked, “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.”
Campbell’s hockey journey has been marked by several groundbreaking achievements. In 2014-15, she served as team captain in the first-ever Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL) All-Star Game, showcasing her leadership qualities early on. Fast forward to 2022, Campbell broke another barrier by becoming the first woman to coach in the American Hockey League (AHL). Her coaching acumen was swiftly recognized as she led Tye Kartye to win the 2023 AHL Dudley "Red" Garrett Award for the most outstanding rookie. Kartye later joined the Kraken, scoring 20 points with 11 goals and nine assists over 77 games for the team.
Campbell’s coaching prowess extends beyond team roles. She has served as a power-skating coach for athletes like Natalie Spooner and Joel Edmundson. In 2021, she contributed her expertise to the Nurnberg Ice Tigers, and her influence reached national levels when she became the first woman to coach a men's national team during the 2022 IIHF Men's World Championship with Team Germany. It was during this championship that she also worked with Kraken goaltender Philipp Grubauer, further establishing her credentials.
Looking ahead, Campbell is expected to be a significant asset to the Kraken's power play strategy. Her ability to foster player development is profoundly appreciated by the organization. Her impact on players such as Tye Kartye is evident, as acknowledged by Bylsma, who emphasizes how her relationship-building skills were key to her hiring.
Nevertheless, Campbell approaches her historic role with a humble perspective. “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 said. Her dedication to her craft shone through as she added, “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 embodies a growth mindset, understanding that coaching at the highest level is a journey rather than a destination. “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 reflected.
As the Kraken look forward to the upcoming season, Campbell's groundbreaking presence on the coaching staff represents more than just a historical milestone. It signifies an evolving era in hockey where merit and skill open doors, irrespective of gender. With the recent signing of 2024 Stanley Cup champion Brandon Montour, the Kraken are poised for a promising season, aiming to harness Campbell's extensive experience and innovative approach to further elevate their game.