Suffolk athletics has named Taylor Wasylk as the first-ever head coach of the women’s ice hockey team.

The University announced the addition of six new varsity sports in fall 2016, including women’s hockey. The team is expected to debut in 2017-18, which allows Wasylk a full year of recruiting in advance of competitive Division III play.

"Over the past several years Suffolk University has seen a tremendous growth in athletics, and adding a women's hockey team underscores the University's commitment to continue that growth," said Director of Athletics Cary McConnell.

"The combination of Taylor's coaching experience; playing resume and passion for this program were evident throughout the interview process and will no doubt prove a great asset to the building of Suffolk's program. We are excited to expose our student-athletes to Taylor's vast knowledge, experience and perspective," said McConnell.

Wasylk has been an assistant coach at SUNY Canton for the past two seasons.

She was an outstanding player for Boston College, where her team made three consecutive trips to the NCAA Division I "Frozen Four" (2011, 2012, 2013) and claimed two Beanpot and Hockey East Titles and the Nutmeg Classic Championship. In 2014, she earned Hockey East Best Defensive Forward credits, the coveted Most Valuable Player honor of the 2014 Beanpot, and was a four-time Hockey East Offensive Player Honoree and Pro Ambitions Rookie.

Importantly for Suffolk’s focus on athletes as students, Wasylk also excelled academically at BC and was the recipient of the Athletic Director's Award for Academic Achievement.

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