Whitney Colbert (43-34-1, three seasons) begins her fourth season as Hamline University head women's hockey coach in 2024-25, bringing a wealth of experience and a track record of success to the program.
A native of Ithaca, New York, Colbert also assumed the role of Senior Woman Administrator prior to the 2024-25 season. In addition, she was appointed to the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Hockey Rules Committee starting in 2024, further contributing to the governance and development of the sport at the collegiate level. Colbert is also an active participant in the national hockey community, serving as a USA Hockey National Team Evaluator for both the Under-18 and National programs.
Before joining Hamline, Colbert spent three seasons as the assistant women's hockey coach at NCAA Division I Union College from 2017 to 2020. Her coaching journey began at Connecticut College, where she served as an assistant coach from 2014 to 2016, contributing to a successful two-season record of 27-18-6.
Colbert's leadership at Hamline has led to notable achievements, including a 15-10 overall record in the 2021-22 season, which resulted in a second-place finish in the MIAC. That season also featured a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory against Gustavus Adolphus, the eventual national runner-up. In the 2023-24 season, Colbert achieved her best record yet, guiding the Pipers to an 18-8 overall mark and 13-5 in MIAC play.
Throughout her coaching career, Colbert has successfully recruited and coached All-American players such as Elizabeth Valley 23', Jordan Hansen 22, and Molly Garin 22', showcasing her ability to identify and develop top talent. Her coaching accolades include mentoring MIAC Player of the Year winners, a Sheila Brown award recipient, and several All-Conference selections. Colbert also has international coaching experience, having served as the assistant coach for Team China at the 2020 IIHF World Championship.
As a player, Colbert was a four-year player at Trinity College (Conn.), where she helped lead the Bantams to NESCAC Tournament Final Four appearances in 2010-11 and 2011-12. She earned her bachelor's degree in sociology from Trinity in 2014 and a master's degree in sports leadership from Northeastern University in 2017.
With her extensive background in both coaching and playing, Colbert continues to elevate the Hamline women's hockey program while fostering the development of her athletes both on and off the ice.
