FLANAGAN TAKES OVER GRYPHONS WOMEN'S HOCKEY PROGRAM

GUELPH, Ont - The Guelph Gryphons are pleased to welcome back former captain, Rachel Flanagan as the new Head Coach of the Women’s Hockey Team.

A 2003 graduate of the University of Guelph, with a Bachelor of Science, Flanagan captained the women’s hockey team for two of her five years as a Gryphon. In her third season she was named to the OUA All-Star Team. Following graduation, she received her Bachelor of Education at Lakehead University.

For Flanagan, the opportunity to begin her University coaching career at her alma mater was too good to pass up. “I’m not that far removed from being a player here and I always knew that when I finished playing I would like to coach. I understand the time commitment and I know that I can help the athletes to succeed.”

This past year Flanagan served as Director of Girls Hockey at The Hill Academy School in Orangeville, ON where she was responsible for recruiting, off-ice programs for athletes and running the overall operations of the program.

She has played and coached at a number of different levels internationally. Her coaching experience includes a two-year stint as Head Coach for the Basingstoke Women’s Ice Hockey Team in Basingstoke, England from 2004-2006. Most recently, the 28-year-old won a silver medal at the Division III World Championships as a member of the Great Britain Women’s National Team.

“We are very excited to have Rachel as our new Women’s Hockey Head Coach,” said Tom Kendall, Director of Athletics. “She is an excellent role model for young female athletes and as a former captain of the Gryphons she has a very good understanding of the Gryphons program and the expectations that we have for the future.”

Rachel is a certified kinesiologist, personal trainer and level 1 sports conditioning specialist. Her hockey knowledge, combined with her expertise and years of experience as a sport movement specialist and teacher, make her a very valuable addition to the Hockey Program.

“Rachel will build on a very solid foundation established by previous coaches,” Kendall said. “She will ensure continued improvement for the Gryphon Hockey Program.”

The Gryphons open their season at home against the visiting Waterloo Warriors on Thursday, September 27 at 7:30 p.m.

“I'm very excited about the upcoming season,” commented Flanagan. “The Gryphon hockey program is changing and I have high expectations for myself and my athletes. Honesty, integrity and commitment will be the backbone upon which we will build our program.”

(Source: Michelle Waddick, Guelph Gryphons, Sports Information)