Rawson named UBC Thunderbirds women's hockey head coach

Source: UBC Sports Info

VANCOUVER - The UBC Thunderbirds have announced the hiring of Jen Rawson as head coach of the women's hockey program. Rawson, a former standout with the U of T Varsity Blues and an assistant coach with that team, replaces Nancy Wilson who stepped down in May.

Rawson joined the Varsity Blues staff in 2005 and has served as an assistant coach with her alma mater since that time. A standout on the ice for Toronto from 1996 to 2001, Rawson captained the Varsity Blues to the 2001 CIS Championship where she earned tournament MVP honours. She was also recognized as an All-Canadian, OUA all-star, Academic All-Canadian, and the 2001 OUA Athlete of the Year (BLG Finalist) during her time with the Blues. U of T captured three OUA titles (1996, '99, '01) during Rawson's playing career.

A graduate twice over from U of T, Rawson has honours degrees in both physical education and education. Since graduating in 2001, she has worked as a high school teacher in physical education and science in addition to coaching flag football, soccer, hockey, track, and field hockey at the high school level.

"It is my pleasure and privilege to be the UBC Thunderbirds women's hockey coach. I am eager to begin our quest for excellence this season," said Rawson. "I am fortunate to be a part of such a multifaceted university. UBC's commitment to academics and athletics is well respected. I know that we can continue to develop a successful tradition of women's hockey here at UBC. The future is very promising for our program and I am excited to be a part of it."

Theresa Hanson, UBC's Associate Director of Intercollegiate and High Performance Sport, sees Rawson's experience with the CIS as a big boost to the T-Bird women's hockey program.

"Jen is an impressive addition to our coaching staff. Her experience as a coach and a player will tremendously enhance the student-athlete experience and the program as a whole. We are looking forward to having her take over the helm of the women's hockey program," said Hanson.

Last season UBC finished in sixth place in the Canada West standings with a 7-16-1 record, failing to qualify for the post season. The 'Birds last trip to the playoffs was in 2008-09.