O'Malley Names Nikki Friesen Assistant Women's Ice Hockey Coach
9/24/2020 12:00:00 AM | Women's Ice Hockey
FAIRFIELD, Conn.—Sacred Heart University women's ice hockey head coach Thomas O'Malley is proud to announce the hiring of Nikki Friesen as the team's new assistant coach. She joins O'Malley and Victoria Blake, assistant coach, as the third member of the coaching staff.
Friesen comes to SHU after recently receiving her master's degree in business administration from Lindenwood University in Missouri. At Lindenwood, she was a member of the women's ice hockey program as a post-grad player. Prior to her post-grad year at Lindenwood, Friesen graduated from Harvard University with a bachelor's degree in economics and a minor in psychology.
At Harvard, Friesen was a four-year member of the Harvard women's ice hockey team. Her on-ice contributions helped Harvard win the 2015 Beanpot championship, the 2015 Ivy League championship, the 2015 ECAC regular season, post-season championship and a trip to Minneapolis, MN, where Harvard participated in the 2015 NCAA Frozen Four Tournament. At the conclusion of her senior season, Friesen was the recipient of the prestigious Joe Bertagna Most Improved Player Award.
In addition to her on-ice contributions, Friesen was a four-year member of the ECAC All-Academic team as well as a two-year member of Harvard University's Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). As a member of SAAC, Friesen spearheaded, and organized the first annual Student Athlete Formal.
When asked what she hopes to bring to the program, Friesen emphasized support. "It's a tough year for these athletes, and a tough year for athletics in general," Friesen said. "I want to support our players however I can, as this year unravels and I want to support my fellow coaches as well. I'm fortunate I'm able to begin my coaching career at an incredible program and among an amazing staff. I really want to be an asset to this program."
O'Malley added that he believes Friesen's personality, drive, and character, as well as her experience as a student athlete hockey player, will be a great benefit to the team and coaching staff.
"I am very happy to have Nikki Friesen as a member of the coaching staff, and I am looking forward to her great contributions to our program here at Sacred Heart University," O'Malley said.
