In a historic move for both the Seattle Kraken and the NHL, Jessica Campbell has been appointed to the Kraken coaching staff, marking her as the first woman to serve as a full-time coach in the league's storied history.
Trailblazing Career
Jessica Campbell's career trajectory has been nothing short of pioneering. She previously served as an assistant coach with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, where her contributions notably included managing the team's power play. Her tenure in Coachella Valley was not only marked by strategic acumen but also by significant player development. Kraken coach Dan Bylsma acknowledged her integral role, saying, "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."
Breaking Barriers
Campbell's influence extends beyond the Firebirds. In 2022, she became the first woman to coach in the American Hockey League (AHL) and managed to break another glass ceiling by being the first woman to coach a men's national team during the 2022 IIHF Men's World Championship with Team Germany.
Her achievements have not gone unnoticed within the hockey community. Campbell's mentee, Tye Kartye, flourished under her guidance, ultimately winning the 2023 AHL Dudley "Red" Garrett Award for the most outstanding rookie. Kartye scored 20 points (11 goals, nine assists) over 77 games for the Kraken, a testament to Campbell's effective coaching methods.
A Humble Approach to Excellence
Despite her groundbreaking accomplishments, Campbell remains grounded and focused on her responsibilities. "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 stated.
Her approach to coaching is characterized by relentless dedication and a growth mindset. "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," she added. Campbell continues to prioritize player development and establishing strong mentor-mentee relationships, which have proven effective in her previous roles.
Future Prospects with the Kraken
Looking towards the future, Campbell’s role with the Kraken is poised to be significant, likely taking charge of the team's power play. Her previous experience working with elite athletes as a power-skating coach, including names like Natalie Spooner and Joel Edmundson, will serve as a strong foundation for her new responsibilities.
She brings with her an impressive background, having served in coaching roles with various teams, including the Nurnberg Ice Tigers in 2021. Her capability to connect with players and understand their developmental needs will be pivotal as she transitions to this new role.
A Shining Addition
The Kraken will also benefit from her familiarity with key players. Campbell has already worked with Kraken goaltender Philipp Grubauer during the 2022 IIHF Men's World Championship, ensuring a level of comfort and understanding that will be beneficial as she steps into her new position.
In a league that has traditionally been slow to embrace gender diversity in coaching roles, Jessica Campbell's appointment marks a significant and positive shift. Her multifaceted and successful career sets a precedent, offering inspiration and hope for more women to enter the ranks of professional hockey coaching.
"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," Campbell affirmed. Her words reflect a dedication to both personal and professional growth, ensuring that her journey is as impactful as it is inspirational.
As the Seattle Kraken looks to build on their recent successes, including signing the 2024 Stanley Cup champion Brandon Montour, the addition of Jessica Campbell to the coaching staff provides an exciting and promising dimension. Her expertise, coupled with her trailblazing spirit, augurs well not only for the Kraken but for the broader hockey community.