BLOOMINGTON, Minn. 鈥� The WCHA has announced Thursday that Michelle McAteer has been approved to take over as its new commissioner for the upcoming 2024-25 season.
The move comes after interim commissioner in the summer of 2024.
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"I am thrilled and honored to be the next commissioner of the WCHA," said McAteer in a press release from the league. "I want to thank the search committee, coaches, administrators and representatives from the eight member institutions for this incredible opportunity. As someone who has played and coached in the league, it is humbling to now lead this group. I am excited to advocate for the players and league members and help build on the tremendous foundation that is already in place."
McAteer, who is originally from Scarborough, Ontario, is a former Division I player in the WCHA as she won three national titles with Minnesota Duluth during her time there from 1999-2003. She later went on to accept a graduate assistant coaching position with the Bulldogs and slowly worked her way into the world of coaching from there.
After a couple of years in Duluth, McAteer spent two seasons coaching at Harvard and one year with Vaughan in the CWHL prior to returning to her alma mater as a full-time assistant coach in 2008. She took her first collegiate head coaching job in 2010 at Division III Augsburg University in Minneapolis, where she has now been ever since.
"We are certainly sad to see Michelle go but are equally happy for her as she embarks on a new chapter in her life as commissioner of the WCHA," said Augsburg University Director of Athletics Jeff Swenson in a release. "Coach McAteer was not only a remarkable coach but also an extraordinary individual whose character and dedication left an indelible mark on the Augsburg community.
"Mac is a woman of integrity and compassion, always putting the needs of her players first. Her commitment to excellence in the women's hockey program was phenomenal. She instilled in her team a relentless work ethic and a passion for the sport that inspired all who knew her. Coach Mac is a true Auggie at heart. Her love for Augsburg was evident in everything she did. She was more than a coach; she was a mentor, a friend and a pillar of strength for the Augsburg women's hockey program and Augsburg athletics. We're going to miss her."
McAteer earned a Bachelor's degree in communications from UMD and a Master's in speech communication from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. She currently lives in Minneapolis with her wife, Gina.
鈥淲e are excited to have Michelle join us as the new commissioner of the WCHA," said Minnesota State Director of Athletics Kevin Buisman, who also serves as the chair of the WCHA Board of Directors. "She brings a unique perspective as a former WCHA student-athlete and coach, who literally started with us on the ground floor and, over time, has witnessed its ascension to the most highly respected league in all of women鈥檚 college hockey.
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"Michelle emerged from a talented pool of candidates with a skill set and prior experiences that provide a great deal of confidence about her ability to lead us to future successes in moving forward.鈥�
It is assumed that McAteer will take over her new duties as commissioner immediately for the upcoming 2024-25 season.
"We are thrilled to welcome Michelle McAteer as the next commissioner of the WCHA," added St. Cloud State Director of Athletics Holly Schreiner. "Her history with the WCHA and record of exceptional leadership stood out to the members of the search committee. Michelle will undoubtedly be able to lead the WCHA as we continue our trajectory of success both on the ice and off.鈥�
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