DeKeyser steps down from women's hockey program
June 21, 2011 | Women's Hockey
MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin women’s hockey assistant coach Tracey DeKeyser has resigned her position, head coach Mark Johnson announced on Tuesday. DeKeyser has been with the program since its inception in 1998-99, including serving as the interim head coach in 2009-10.
“Stepping down from coaching at Wisconsin was not an easy decision, considering I've spent nearly my entire professional career as a Badger Hockey coach,” DeKeyser said. “Although I am looking forward to a change in routine and learning new life skills, I hope to stay connected to the university and the athletic department in some capacity.”
The Ashton, Ontario native has been with the program since the drop of the first puck and has done everything from recruiting to co-coaching the team during her 12-year tenure. When Johnson took a one-year sabbatical to coach the 2010 U.S. Women's Olympic ice hockey team during the 2009-10 season, DeKeyser took the reins of the program and led the Badgers to an 18-15-3 overall mark.
“When you lose an assistant coach – someone who has contact with the players on a daily basis – it changes things,’’ Johnson said. “Tracey has been here since day one and she’s been outstanding. She’ll certainly be missed for all the things she does, not only form a hockey standpoint, but from helping kids with their academics and personal issues. She’s been a great mentor to our players.’’
This coming fall semester DeKeyser will serve as a mentor for freshmen student-athletes through the Fetzer Student-Athlete Academic Center. She will also assist the Life Skills staff with various projects this coming year.
“I felt like I needed a change in my career and this move gives me the opportunity to continue to grow professionally, while allowing me to continue to support and cheer on the UW hockey family,” DeKeyser commented. “It has been an outstanding 12 years of memories and friendships that I will treasure always. Thank you to everyone who made us better along the way."
Wisconsin has yet to name a replacement.
