Gophers women's hockey assistant coach Natalie Darwitz was promoted to associate head coach, the team announced Thursday.
In three full seasons at Minnesota, Darwitz has helped guide the Gophers to a 58-15-5 record and two WCHA regular-season titles in 2009 and 2022.
"We are excited to move Natalie into this position," head coach Brad Frost said. "She has had a tremendous impact on our program over many years and is very deserving of this promotion."
Darwitz, an Eagan, Minn. native, played at the 'U' for three years (2002-05). In that span, she helped the Gophers win back-to-back national championships in 2004 and 2005 and was named 2005 Frozen Four Most Outstanding Player.
Darwitz is also a three-time Olympic medalist (silver in 2002 and 2010 and bronze in 2006) and three-time IIHF World Women's Championships gold medalist.
Darwitz began her coaching career in 2007-08 as an assistant on her father's staff with Eagan High School's girls hockey team. She was on the Gophers staff as an assistant coach for the 2008-09 and 2010-11 seasons and rejoined the staff last season.
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- The Gophers gymnastics team will open its season with a 6 p.m. meet Friday at Maturi Pavilion with Hamline, Gustavus and Winona State. "The state of Minnesota has incredible talent at all levels," Minnesota coach Jenny Hansen said, "and to be able to bring our four local teams together for this meet is a fantastic way to start the season!"
- Assistant Jill Leibforth was named the women's soccer coach at Winona State. She joined the Warriors coaching staff in July 2022. Winona State was 9-6-4 last season.
