Lindenwood has announced the appointment of Taylor Wasilke as the next Lions women’s hockey coach.
Wasylk came to Lindenwood after spending the last five years as head coach at Suffolk. During her time with the Rams, Wasylk compiled a 64-44-7 record that culminated in the CCC Tournament and an NCAA Tournament appearance this past season.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be joining the Lindenwood University community,” said Waslek. “From the second I stepped on campus, I felt the passion and drive everyone should foster in athletic programs and bring more championships to St. Charles. I want to thank Jason Comer, Katie Zeng, Dr. Porter, and the entire Lindenwood community for the opportunity. I can’t wait to get on the ice.” in the fall and begin to elevate the women’s hockey program to unprecedented heights.”
The Port Huron, Michigan native built Suffolk’s program from scratch, taking over in the spring of 2017, a year before his inaugural season. During that time, I’ve compiled a 22-player roster primarily made up of freshmen (17). Together that group amassed an overall record of 15-9-2 and a league ledger of 10-4-2, as they hosted the NEHC Quarterfinals as the #2 seed.
“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Wasylk to the Lindenwood community,” said Lindenwood Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Jason Kummer. “Throughout her playing and coaching careers, Coach Wasilek has set a very high standard of excellence for herself and her program that will serve our young girls very well. It was clear after meeting with the coach that she has a clear direction for the program and a plan to raise the profile of the women’s hockey program. Today is an exciting day for hockey Lindenwood Ladies.
Prior to working at Suffolk, she began her coaching career as an assistant coach at UMass Boston in 2014-15. She also spent one season as an assistant at Canton. The Roos reached unparalleled heights during their short time with the program including making their first game appearance during their inaugural season in the Colonial Hockey Conference.
Wasylk had a decorated playing career at Boston College. The four-year letter winner has led the Eagles to national and regional prominence, making three straight trips to the NCAA Frozen Four (2011, 2012, 2013), two Beanpot crowns, a pair of Hockey East titles, and a Nutmeg Classic championship. In 2014, she earned Hockey East’s Most Valuable Defensive Front credits, as well as MVP of the 2014 Beanpot Tournament.
“Taylor Wasilke is one of the best young coaches in women’s hockey,” said Boston College women’s coach Katie Crowley. “She has an excellent work ethic, motivation and competitiveness and will help Lindenwood women’s hockey rise to a new level. I’m happy for her and excited to see her excel at Lindenwood.”
Wasylk has played for the USA Under-18, Under-22, and Senior National teams. She has skated with all three teams at multiple world championships.
Wasylk is a 2014 graduate of Boston College, with a Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in International Students, with a focus on international cooperation and conflict. Wasel extended her education with a semester abroad in London in the summer of 2014.