Kelsey Koelzer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kelsey Koelzer |
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Koelzer with the Metropolitan Riveters in 2018
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| Born | June 16, 1995 Horsham, Pennsylvania, United States |
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| Height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) | ||
| Weight | 170 lb (77 kg; 12 st 2 lb) | ||
| Position | Defense | ||
| Shoots | Right | ||
| Played for | PWHPA Metropolitan Riveters Princeton Tigers |
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| Playing career | 2013–present | ||
Kelsey Koelzer was born on June 16, 1995. She is an American ice hockey player who played as a defender. Today, she is a head coach for women's ice hockey at Arcadia University.
Kelsey made history as the first Black female head coach in NCAA ice hockey. She also advises the NWHL on fairness and inclusion. In 2016, the Metropolitan Riveters picked her first in the 2016 NWHL Draft. This made her the first Black player ever chosen first in a North American pro hockey draft. She played two seasons with the Riveters. Later, she joined the Professional Women's Hockey Players Association (PWHPA).
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Her Amazing Hockey Journey
College Hockey Star
Kelsey Koelzer played 128 games for the Princeton Tigers. She scored 100 points during her college career. She was a finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Award in both 2016 and 2017. This award goes to the best female college hockey player.
In 2016, she was named the best defender in ECAC Hockey. She was also the first player from Princeton's women's hockey team to be named an All-American. This means she was recognized as one of the best players in the country.
Making History in the NWHL
The New York Riveters chose Kelsey as the very first pick in the 2016 NWHL Draft. This was a huge moment! She became the first Black player to be picked first overall in any professional hockey league in North America.
She signed her first professional contract in 2017. Her first game was with the Riveters against the Buffalo Beauts. Kelsey played two full seasons with the team. In 2018, she helped her team win the Isobel Cup. This is the championship trophy for the NWHL. She was also chosen for the 2018 NWHL All-Star Game. There, she was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the game.
In May 2019, Kelsey joined the PWHPA. This group helps women's hockey players. She played in an exhibition game in Philadelphia during the 2019–20 PWHPA season.
Coaching and Leadership
In September 2019, Kelsey started a new chapter. She was hired by Arcadia University to coach their new women's hockey team. This was another historic moment for her. She became the first Black female head coach in the history of NCAA ice hockey.
Kelsey also helps make hockey better for everyone. She is part of a special committee for the NHL and NHLPA. This committee gives advice on women's hockey. She also worked with Melissa Parnagian to support the Willie O'Ree Congressional Gold Medal Act. This act honors Willie O'Ree, the first Black player in the NHL.
On March 25, 2021, Kelsey took on another important role. She became an advisor for the NWHL. Her job is to help the league with diversity, fairness, and inclusion. This means making sure everyone feels welcome and has equal chances in hockey.
Personal Life
Kelsey Koelzer studied at Princeton University. She earned a degree in psychology.
