Photo courtesy Quinnipiac Athletics
By: Sierra Goodwill
The 2015-2016 season for the Quinnipiac women’s ice hockey team was its most successful and historic. Head coach Cassandra Turner recorded 30 wins, the most for a first-year coach in NCAA Division I women’s ice hockey history.
So, she decided to stick around.
Quinnipiac Director of Athletics and Recreation Greg Amodio announced Monday that Turner has signed an extension through the 2020-2021 season.
“Cassie Turner embodies all of the qualities that Quinnipiac values in its leadership,” Amodio said in a press release. “Both as a mentor and role model to our student-athletes and as an ambassador for the University.”
In Turner’s first season at the helm, not only did the Bobcats set a record for most wins, but also for most goals scored, most assists, highest special teams percentages, fewest goals allowed, lowest GAA, and longest unbeaten streak.
She also led the team to an ECAC regular season and tournament Championship.
“Quinnipiac University is a special place with a very bright future.” Turner said in a press release. “I feel fortunate to be able to share my passion for teaching and coaching at an institution that values our sport, provides unrivaled opportunities for elite level female student-athletes, and embraces the pursuit of excellence at the highest of levels.”
Turner re-energized the program using her knowledge from playing and coaching at the collegiate and international level. She led Canada’s U-18 National Women’s Team through the 2014-2015 World Championship.
Turner’s reputation as a player and coach with the Canadian hockey community has allowed for tremendous recruiting opportunities. Her defensive mindset has altered the culture of the team, making it one of the most well rounded squads in program history.
