Jessica Campbell Breaks New Ground with the Seattle Kraken Coaching Staff
In a historic move for the NHL, Jessica Campbell has been appointed to the Seattle Kraken coaching staff, becoming the first woman to serve as a full-time coach in the league's history. Campbell's achievement marks a significant milestone in her already illustrious career.
Campbell’s coaching journey began with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, where she was an assistant coach and managed the team's power play. Her impact was immediate and profound, helping to develop players such as Tye Kartye, Shane Wright, and Ryker Evans. Kraken coach Dan Bylsma highlighted her dedication to player development, stating, "During our tenure in Coachella Valley, I saw firsthand Jessica's commitment to player development. Her ability to establish relationships with her players, specifically Tye Kartye, Shane Wright, and Ryker Evans, was an important factor in this hire. I'm looking forward to continuing to work with her at the NHL level.”
The road to the NHL has been paved with groundbreaking achievements for Campbell. In 2022, she became the first woman to coach in the American Hockey League (AHL), and she was the first woman to coach a men's national team during the 2022 IIHF Men's World Championship with Team Germany. Furthermore, Campbell has worked with prominent athletes like Natalie Spooner and Joel Edmundson as a power-skating coach.
Reflecting on her journey, Campbell expressed a sense of humility and focus. "I just focused on the task at hand in coaching, but absolutely, it's obviously a tremendous opportunity and I'm honored to be where I am and to be -- it's a humbling feeling to be a part of the Kraken organization," she said. "For me, that's what it's about. Just putting my head down and doing the work. You know, where it takes me it takes me, but I'm obviously honored to be on this path and continue to just do the good work that it takes to hopefully reach that goal."
Campbell’s dedication has not gone unnoticed. During her tenure with the Firebirds, Tye Kartye, whom she coached, won the 2023 AHL Dudley "Red" Garrett Award for the most outstanding rookie. Kartye's success is a testament to Campbell's coaching prowess and her ability to nurture young talent.
Her role with the Kraken is expected to be pivotal, with responsibilities likely including heading the team's power play. This aligns with her previous experience managing the Firebirds’ power play, showcasing her strategic capabilities in critical game situations.
Jessica Campbell’s appointment is a beacon of progress in a sport that has traditionally been male-dominated. Her history-making role is a significant step forward, casting a spotlight on the evolving dynamics of coaching in professional hockey. Campbell’s approach is characterized by a relentless focus on growth and excellence, as she says, "I'm a big believer in just keeping a growth mindset every day. Obviously, my goal is to continue to coach at the highest level, but timelines aren't necessary for me and definitely not where my focus is."
Beyond her immediate coaching duties, Campbell’s presence is likely to inspire a new generation of female coaches. Her trailblazing journey serves as a powerful example of breaking barriers and achieving excellence through dedication and hard work. The Seattle Kraken, under the leadership of experienced professionals like Campbell and the recently signed 2024 Stanley Cup champion Brandon Montour, are poised for an exciting future.
With her head down and focus sharp, Jessica Campbell is not just making history; she’s shaping the future of hockey. As she takes on her new role with the Kraken, the hockey world will be watching closely, eager to see how her expertise and innovative spirit will influence the team’s success.