From Olympic Gold to Coaching Glory: How Jennifer Wakefield Is Shaping the Next Generation of Hockey Stars

Jennifer Wakefield's journey from Olympic champion to NCAA coach is a masterclass in leveraging experience to empower others. Her story offers invaluable insights for anyone looking to transition their skills into a mentoring role.

A Stellar Playing Career

Wakefield's resume is nothing short of impressive. As a player, she achieved the pinnacle of success:

• Olympic and World Championship gold medals with Team Canada.
• Named a World Championship All-Star in 2013.
• A three-time Hockey East champion, known as a power forward and face-off specialist.
• After her national team career, she starred in Sweden, broadening her international experience.

Transition to Coaching

While in Europe, Wakefield began applying her decades of knowledge from the other side of the bench. She assisted with a Swedish club and guided the Netherlands women's national team as an assistant coach at three World Championships and Olympic qualifiers.

In 2023, she returned to North America, initially signing with the PHF's Toronto Six. However, a week later, the league was acquired to form the PWHL. At this crossroads, Wakefield made a pivotal decision: instead of pursuing the PWHL, she permanently switched to coaching to help young athletes reach their full potential.

She started at the University of Ottawa in U Sports but quickly moved to the NCAA with Penn State, where she has spent the past few seasons.

Impact at Penn State

Wakefield believes Penn State is a top-tier program, and she feels exactly where she's meant to be. "It's been amazing," she said. "The facilities are top-notch, helping athletes from a nutritional and recovery standpoint. Having a weight room and physio at the rink is pretty cool to see what they have access to."

Penn State, a relatively new program in women's hockey, has transitioned to an elite echelon. Wakefield has been instrumental in this push, working one-on-one with some of the best players in college hockey and the world.

Jennifer Wakefield (far left) and the Penn State coaching staff

Unique Coaching Perspective

Interestingly, Wakefield, a former forward, is primarily in charge of Penn State's blueline. "I don't think anyone I've played with would have thought I'd become a defence coach," she admitted. "But being an offensive-minded player, I teach defenders how to create, use deception, play physical, and fast. Knowing where to put the puck for forwards and helping with quick breakouts has been key."

This unique perspective has benefited Penn State's dynamic blueline, including rookie Danica Maynard, who leads all NCAA rookie blueliners in scoring, and Kendall Butze, a PWHL Draft prospect.

Mentoring and Mindset

Wakefield brings more than just skills; she instills a winning mentality. "I like to think I bring that compete to work every day," she said. "Creating energy and a winning mentality in practices, whether it's penalty kill, power play, or five-on-five, is the biggest thing I bring."

She also shares her personal experiences with players. "Sometimes the girls ask about my experiences in college, nationally, or playing pro. Having those conversations, sharing what I did before games or for skills, is pretty fun. They know I was in the trenches playing college and professional hockey."

Guiding Future Professionals

Wakefield sees potential in all of Penn State's seniors, many of whom may enter the PWHL Draft or turn pro in Europe. With more opportunities than ever for women in professional hockey, she emphasizes the importance of giving athletes a competitive advantage and guiding them along the way.

Her impact is evident: Penn State leads the Atlantic Hockey America conference and is a contender at the national championship tournament. Wakefield's journey shows how experience and expertise can transform not just a career but an entire program.