After 11 seasons, Jimmy Keefe announced her resignation as coach of the Marian women’s hockey team.
“I cannot thank Jimmy enough for the 11 years of hard work and dedication to Marian athletics and the Saber women’s hockey program,” Marian Athletics Director Tony Drives said in a statement. “I wish her nothing but the best for the next chapter.”
Kivi was named Marian’s second head coach in 2012 after the program was introduced in 2009. In her sophomore season, Kivi led the Sabers to the NCHA Championship for the first time in program history, and was named NCHA Coach of the Year. Marian has qualified for the NCHA Tournament seven times under her leadership, including each of her last three seasons.
“It was an honor to serve as the women’s ice hockey coach at Marian,” Keefe said. “I want to thank Jason Murphy for giving me this opportunity when I was 24. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working under Jason Bartelt and Tony Drives, and I’m so grateful for the opportunities they gave me. Most importantly, for the student-athletes, the alumni Thank you, Katie Lindsley, current and former members of my coaching staff, and all of my co-workers for the past 11 years. There are not enough words to express my love and appreciation to all of you. You have become a part of my family and the reason Marian is such a special place.
“The future of Marian women’s ice hockey is bright, and I have no doubt that the best is yet to come for the program.”
A national search will be conducted to hire the next women’s hockey coach.