Women's Hockey | 8/11/2011 10:34:00 AM
ROCHESTER, NY - RIT Head Coach #
Scott McDonald has announced that (Drumbo, Ontario/Stoney Creek Sabres)Chelsea Walkland# will join the women's hockey staff as an assistant coach for the 2011-12 season. She will assist in all aspects of the program, including recruiting, game-day and practice preparation, along with mentoring RIT's student-athletes.
“I'm excited that Chelsea is joining our hockey program this year,” said McDonald, RIT's all-time leader in coaching wins, with 107 in just five seasons. “I've followed Chelsea's playing career for a number of years during her time with the Rochester Edge program and Division I women's hockey team at Robert Morris University.”
Walkland, a native of Henrietta, played four seasons from 2006-2010 at Division I Robert Morris, played in a program record 140 career games, recording 41 career points (14-27-41), while serving as an assistant captain during her junior and senior seasons. In 2008-09, Walkland recorded a career-high 19 points on five goals and 14 assists.
“I am very excited to coach with
Scott McDonald and honored to become a part of this great program as well as the RIT Community,” said Walkland. “I look forward to working with such a talented group of players right here in my own hometown.”
Last season, Walkland served as the Hockey Operations Manager at Robert Morris, while earning a master's degree in instructional leadership. In 2010, Walkland earned her bachelor's degree in business administration with concentration in sports management. She was a four-time member of the College Hockey America All-Academic Team and was the Robert Morris Scholar Athlete Award winner in 2010.
Walkland also served as an intern in the Office of Athletics Student Services and Athletics Marketing at Robert Morris in 2009-10.
Before playing at Robert Morris, Walkland played for the Rochester Edge, serving as an assistant captain from 2004-06. She also played two seasons on the boy's varsity squad at Rush-Henrietta High School, winning the Coaches Award in 2005. She also won a gold medal with the Western region at the 2005 Empire State games.
“With her hockey background and passion for the game, I know Chelsea will have an immediate impact with our team and future prospective student-athletes,” said McDonald.”