Courtney Kennedy has been named the head coach of the Merrimack College women’s ice hockey team, according to a March 20 announcement from the college’s athletic department.
Kennedy brings two decades of coaching experience to Merrimack, including 17 seasons in Hockey East. She is currently serving as the head coach for the Under-18 USA Hockey team and recently helped Team USA secure gold at the 2026 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship in Nova Scotia.
Merrimack athletic director Joe Foley said, “Courtney rose to the top of a very talented and competitive pool of candidates as the ideal coach to lead our program at this time. She is globally recognized as an elite recruiter, player developer, and leader of young women. I believe Merrimack women’s ice hockey has the potential to compete for Hockey East and NCAA championships, and I am excited for Courtney’s leadership in our pursuit of excellence.”
Kennedy has held various roles within USA Hockey since 2013, winning two gold medals as an assistant for the U18 USA National Team in 2017 and 2018. She also earned silver medals as an assistant coach with both the USA National Team in 2021 and Olympic National Team during the 2021-22 season. As Defense Camp Director for USA Hockey, she designs on-ice development programs for top defensive prospects nationwide.
“I am honored to join Merrimack College as the women’s ice hockey coach,” Kennedy said. “I am excited to get to work and get the team battle ready for next season. Let’s Go Mack!”
In addition to her national team experience, Kennedy spent 17 seasons working in Hockey East with Boston College—first as an assistant coach from 2007-12 before being promoted to associate head coach from 2012-24—and recently served as skill coach for PWHL’s Boston Fleet during the 2024-25 season. As a player, Kennedy won a gold medal at the IIHF World Championships in Sweden (2005), a silver medal at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics (2002), was named WCHA Player of the Year while attending University of Minnesota (1998-2001), and was inducted into Minnesota’s “M” Club Hall of Fame in 2008.
