Article & Photo via the Jamestown Athletic Department and AD Sean Johnson

JAMESTOWN, ND. – Jamestown native Amber Schaack has been named the first head coach of the University of Jamestown women’s hockey program.

Schaack will recruit student-athletes during the 2021-22 academic year and the team will compete during the 2022-23 academic year.

UJ plans to compete as a member of ACHA Division 1.

“Amber is the perfect person to start our women’s hockey program at the University of Jamestown,” said athletics director Sean Johnson.  “Her intelligence, work ethic, experience as a successful collegiate student-athlete and professional work experience has set the stage for her success at UJ.”

“I am incredibly honored and humbled to be named the first head coach of the University of Jamestown Jimmies women’s hockey program,” said Schaack.  “I am looking forward to cultivating a competitive program that will build upon the successful tradition of UJ Athletics. I am excited to be back in my hometown and to have the opportunity to bring more competitive hockey to both Jamestown and the state of North Dakota.”

Schaack was an all-state performer at Jamestown high school scoring 132 goals, assisting on 43 more for 175 career points in her four seasons.  During those four years the Blue Jays improved from seven wins to nine, then 13 and 18.

As a senior she was a first team all-state selection and named Miss North Dakota Hockey after accumulating 52 points and leading the Blue Jays to a best ever fourth place finish at the 2013 state tournament.  During her junior year, the Blue Jays placed fifth at the state tournament.

While at Concordia she scored 27 career goals with 28 assists for 55 career points from 2013-17.  She helped lead the Cobbers to a top-four finish in the MIAC league standings every season including a third place finish in 2015 and 2017, tied for the second best league finish in school history.  Amber was an honorable mention All-MIAC selection her junior season.

Most recently she has been a manager at Hoist Hockey in Fargo, a unique 3 on 3 hockey training and fitness facility.

She also worked for the PGA of America aiding in coordinating, recruiting, enrolling, scheduling and leading 1,500 volunteers for championship events.

Schaack has also coached the West Fargo Stampede girls 12UA team and the junior varsity girls’ team at Delano (MN) High School.

She received her undergraduate degree in exercise science from Concordia in 2017 and a master’s degree in sports administration from Northern Colorado in 2018.

What they are saying about Amber Schaack

Jason Gregoire, former head coach at Concordia College

“Amber is a great hire for UJ.  Her passion for the game and attention to detail will serve her well as she builds a winning culture there.  I have no doubt she will represent the university with class and her players will be extremely hard workers both on the ice and off.”

Rachel Bergeson, Athletics Director, Concordia College

“Amber has been a strong advocate for women’s hockey for as long as I have known her and she will work tirelessly to continue to grow the sport in a community that is both familiar and important to her. Her passion and level of competitiveness will serve Jamestown well.”