DULUTH, MN – After four impactful seasons leading The College of St. Scholastica Women's Hockey team, Head Coach Julianne "Montana" Vasichek will step aside from coaching. Since joining St. Scholastica's hockey program, Vasichek has worked to build a culture of resilience, teamwork, and passion that will leave a lasting legacy. She helped transition the program from the NCHA to the MIAC, including securing their first MIAC playoff win.

"This is a bittersweet decision for me as this group has been so fun to coach this season," Vasichek reflected. "The team committed and competed relentlessly. Most importantly, they have built a family. As we talked about often this season, growth is obtained through adversity, and I am excited to see this group grow together and compete in the future. What I am most proud of from this group is that they are great people. They have spent time volunteering in the community, working hard in the classroom, and building bonds off the ice together. Seeing the smiles on their faces at practice and after a particularly great period of play gave me so much to look forward to each day. The next coach has a great foundation to build on."

Vasichek added, "I would personally like to thank Jackie MacMillan and Don Olson for bringing me on board eight years ago, especially amidst a drawn-out recovery from my liver transplant. I am forever grateful for the opportunities I have had with the St. Scholastica women's hockey team and look forward to helping the transition occur as smoothly as possible so the student-athletes can hit the ground running next fall."

While the College will begin the search for a new head coach immediately, Vasichek will remain with the team through the transition.

"Montana has inspired distinction both on and off the ice. Her tireless leadership, mentorship, and positivity have left an indelible mark on our women's hockey program, guiding the team with passion and dedication," said Jessica Cherry, Director of Athletics. "I am grateful to Montana for her contributions to the College, our women's hockey program and the Athletics department and wish her all the best in her new role."

###

St. Scholastica is a private, independent college established in 1912 and founded in the Catholic Benedictine tradition. It is nationally recognized for quality and value. The U.S. News & World Report includes it on its Best National Universities and Top Performers on Social Mobility lists. The College is ranked on Money magazine's "Best Colleges for your Money" list and Princeton Review's list of Best Midwestern Colleges. A First Forward Institution, St. Scholastica, is recognized for developing new initiatives to support first-generation student success. The College's six-year graduation rate is higher than the state, regional and national average. Learn more at css.edu.