August 28, 2024The NHL’s First Female Coach, Jessica Campbell, Inspires Aberdeen Hall Community

Aberdeen Hall Preparatory School, an independent school known for its commitment to excellence in education and community engagement, had the distinct honor of hosting Jessica Campbell, the NHL’s first female coach, during a special event held as part of the school’s professional development sessions.

Canada’s Jessica Campbell made her hockey debut playing with the Canadian national team at the 2014 4 Nations Cup and won a silver medal with the team at the 2015 IIHF Women's World Championship.

Her professional career was played in the Canadian Women's Hockey League (CWHL) with the Calgary Inferno and in the Swedish Damettan with the Malmö Redhawks.

On July 3, 2024, after two seasons coaching in the AHL with the Coachella Valley Firebirds (where she was also the first female to coach in any capacity) she made history when she was named to the Seattle Kraken's coaching staff for the 2024-25 season.

Jessica addressed a captivated audience of employees, students, and school families, sharing her inspiring journey from a passionate young hockey player to breaking barriers in the world of professional hockey. Her story resonated deeply with the Aberdeen Hall community, highlighting themes of leadership, character development, and the importance of fostering resilience in both sports and education.

Coach Campbell’s experience leading elite athletes to success resonates deeply with the educational values upheld at Aberdeen Hall. Just as a coach motivates, guides, and fosters the growth of each player, educators inspire and nurture the intellectual and personal development of every student. But beyond showing up and putting in the work, Coach Campbell emphasized the importance of the three “L’s” as a leader, whether on the ice or in the classroom. “Listen, lift, and love”, she said. “Listen to [your players], lift them up, and love them through whatever they are going through.” She continued, “people don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”

This opportunity to learn from a leader in the professional sports world underscores Aberdeen Hall’s ongoing efforts to provide enriching experiences for its staff, faculty, and students. Employees were gathered for their professional development sessions ahead of the new school year, and the broader Aberdeen Hall community was invited to join in this unique opportunity to hear from a trailblazer in the world of sports.

“We are thrilled to have had Jessica speak to our community,” said Chris Grieve, Head of School at Aberdeen Hall. “Her journey is a testament to the values we strive to instill in our students—resilience, perseverance, and the belief that with hard work, anything is possible. It was an uplifting experience for our students and employees and a great way to kick off a new school year.”

The event concluded with a student panelist interview, followed by a Q&A session, where attendees had the opportunity to engage with Jessica directly, asking questions about her coaching philosophy, her experiences in the NHL, and advice for young athletes aspiring to follow in her footsteps.

Aberdeen Hall is committed to providing opportunities for its community to learn from inspiring figures who exemplify leadership and excellence. This event was a powerful reminder of the impact that role models can have on future generations.