A Beacon of Empowerment: Meghan Sweezey’s Influence on Women’s Hockey in Vermont
The Saint Michael’s College women’s hockey team is not your average group of athletes. While many students were still nestled in bed during the last days of winter break, these determined players were already on the ice, practicing at the C. Douglas Cairns Recreation Arena in South Burlington. The sound of metal blades slicing through ice filled the chilly air as sticks slapped pucks against the boards with a thunderous echo.
Laughter and chatter reverberated through the rink, painting a picture of camaraderie and determination. Despite the early morning hour, the team’s alternate captain, Gaby Tribelli, confessed that none of them were morning people. However, stepping onto the ice sparked a sense of joy and purpose that united the team in their shared goal of striving for victory.
The driving force behind this team is their head coach, Meghan Sweezey, who embodies passion and dedication. A St. Michael’s graduate and former hockey standout, Sweezey leads by example, matching her players’ strides on the ice and motivating them to push beyond their limits. Her presence is not only felt in her coaching style but also in the way she celebrates her players’ victories, symbolized by the rhythmic tapping of her stick against the ice in applause.
This season marked a significant turning point for the team as Sweezey, the first female head coach at St. Michael’s, embraced the challenge of leading a team that had previously struggled to secure wins. Despite facing formidable opponents and resource disparities, Sweezey chose to focus on deeper issues affecting her team’s performance, such as psychological barriers and a scarcity mindset that hindered their progress.
Through her background in psychology and counseling, Sweezey delved into the complexities of the team’s mental game, aiming to unlock their full potential. Instead of dwelling on past losses, she emphasized the importance of focusing on the process rather than fixating on outcomes. This shift in perspective heralded a new era of growth and transformation for the Purple Knights.
As the season progressed, the team’s resilience and determination began to pay off. Victories against formidable opponents like Post University and St. Anselm College showcased the team’s newfound confidence and strategic prowess. Sweezey’s coaching philosophy of fostering a positive team culture and instilling a sense of trust and camaraderie among players proved to be a winning formula.
Beyond the rink, Sweezey’s impact extends far beyond the confines of St. Michael’s College. In 2016, she founded Girls 4 Hockey, a hockey training company that has become a cornerstone of the regional hockey community. From skills clinics for youth players to adult women’s programs, Girls 4 Hockey provides a supportive and inclusive environment for players of all ages and skill levels to thrive.
Sweezey’s commitment to empowering women in hockey is not merely a professional endeavor but a personal mission deeply rooted in her own journey as a player and coach. From her early days battling boys on the ice to her transformative college hockey career, Sweezey’s resilience and determination have shaped her into a trailblazer in the male-dominated world of hockey.
As she continues to break down barriers and uplift future generations of female athletes, Sweezey’s legacy as a beacon of empowerment in Vermont hockey shines brightly. Her unwavering dedication to creating a space for girls and women in the sport is a testament to the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and unwavering belief in the potential of every player she coaches.
