Fresh off clinching an exciting conference championship in the spring, the Navy Women’s Hockey team is in full swing this season, with a 12-2-0-0 record as of publication time, and a shot at winning the championship again. This impressive team is currently ranked second in their conference and they have their sights set on the national championship in Massachusetts next month. Their momentum and enthusiasm are unstoppable.
“My favorite part about being on the Navy Women’s Hockey Team is the daily break from normal midshipman life with incredible people who push me to be better every day,” says PAO team member Kristina Cornelio. In an environment where midshipmen exhibit high performance non-stop, this type of community is essential to their growth as a Brigade. Cornelio continues, “We support one another and it shows through our success on the ice and in other aspects of midshipman life. Navy Women’s Hockey is the perfect balance of being able to compete and still have fun.”
The team works well with the Men’s Navy hockey club teams too. There are two: one competes in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division I and the other in the Collegiate Hockey Federation (CHF) M2. Cornelio says, “The Navy hockey teams are all very supportive of each other. We have similar goals of doing well in the classroom and on the ice, as well as developing as leaders within the Brigade and working toward the betterment of others. Both USNA sports teams also make a point to support each other at our different games throughout the year.”
Related: Club Spotlight: Navy Men’s Hockey.
Fun on the Ice
That can be a lot of games! The season starts in early October and stretches through the middle of March, with the conference championship in February, and the opportunity to extend it to Nationals from March 16-20th, when the highly anticipated event is held at the New England Sports Center at Marlborough, Massachusetts. The team usually holds tryouts during the last week of September, when the ice has returned to the Brigade Sports Complex Tryouts vary in length, based on the number of women who are trying out. If you are an incoming plebe in the class of 2027 who is interested in playing (all skill levels are welcome) please email usnawomenshockey@gmail.com for more information. Practices are held three to four days a week, with games on the weekends. All are held at the Brigade Sports Complex.
On a Breakaway
Navy Women’s Ice Hockey is a relatively new part of Naval Academy sports, having been founded as an extracurricular activity by midshipman Ella Starr, Class of 2012, in 2009. By 2015, the team officially became a U.S. Naval Academy club sport. Since then they have made their mark on the ice. Not only was last year a banner year for the team with the conference championship win, but Navy Women’s Hockey has made the ACHA Division 2 Women’s National Tournament several times recently. You can see Navy’s current rankings in the “Southeast” ACHA division here. They are tied for third nationally right now!
The team is led by captain Midshipman Marguerite Schillinger, alternate captain Midshipman Michaela Stangel and alternate captain Midshipman Kirsta Wheelock. You can follow their schedule here. They do battle with the following teams in the Delaware Valley College Hockey Conference (DVCHC):
- Villanova University
- University of Delaware
- Rowan University
- University of Maryland
- Loyola University
- University of Pennsylvania
At the beginning of their season, the team hosts the ever-popular Crabpot Showcase at the Brigade Sports Complex. Come join the fun if you are in town! They also play at the East Coast Showdown, a showcase for interested high school players that wows fans at the IceWorks in Aston, Pennsylvania.
Power Play
It is an exciting time to catch Navy Women’s Hockey. Come experience them in action at the McMullen Ice Arena in the Brigade Sports Complex, which holds up to 695 passionate fans. While you are watching hockey, join us for a snack and excellent beverage selection at the Coach’s Corner Cafe on the second deck of the BSC. More information can be found on their Facebook page. When you buy a ticket to their game, visit the Yard, take a USNA tour, dine at USNA restaurants or pick up some Go Navy! gear at a USNA store (like Navyonline.com) you’re giving back to the midshipmen who give 100 percent every day. Each dollar goes towards the Brigade. So not only are you enjoying a get-out-of-your-seat women’s hockey game, but you’re also supporting the midshipmen that support our freedoms. Come out to the rink today. Go Navy—let’s get to Nationals!
