DeKeyser
steps down from women’s hockey program
After a 12-year tenure
assistant coach Tracey DeKeyser has resigned from her position with the
women's hockey program
MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin women’s hockey
assistant coach Tracey DeKeyser has resigned her position, head coach
Mark Johnson announced on Tuesday. DeKeyser has been with the program
since its inception in 1998-99, including serving as the interim head
coach in 2009-10.
“Stepping down from coaching at
Wisconsin was not an easy decision, considering I've spent nearly my
entire professional career as a Badger Hockey coach,” DeKeyser
said. “Although I am looking forward to a change in routine and
learning new life skills, I hope to stay connected to the university
and the athletic department in some capacity.”
The Ashton, Ontario native has been with the program
since the drop of the first puck and has done everything from
recruiting to co-coaching the team during her 12-year tenure. When
Johnson took a one-year sabbatical to coach the 2010 U.S. Women's
Olympic ice hockey team during the 2009-10 season, DeKeyser took the
reins of the program and led the Badgers to an 18-15-3 overall mark.
“When you lose an assistant coach –
someone who has contact with the players on a daily basis – it
changes things,’’ Johnson said. “Tracey has been here
since day one and she’s been outstanding. She’ll certainly
be missed for all the things she does, not only form a hockey
standpoint, but from helping kids with their academics and personal
issues. She’s been a great mentor to our players.’’
This coming fall semester DeKeyser will serve as a
mentor for freshmen student-athletes through the Fetzer Student-Athlete
Academic Center. She will also assist the Life Skills staff with
various projects this coming year.
Wisconsin has yet to name a replacement.
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