Last week, University of Minnesota women’s assistant coach Nadine Muzerall was named head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes. Muzerall’s exit created an opening on the Gophers coaching staff. The Gophers didn’t waste any time filling their vacancy — on Wednesday, they hired former Gopher forward Bethany Brausen as an assistant coach.
Prior to returning to the Gophers, Brausen was an assistant coach with the Breck High School girls’ hockey team from 2014-16. Brausen is excited to join the Golden Gophers coaching staff behind the bench.
“As a graduate of our program, I have realized how much Gopher women’s hockey runs in your blood,” Brausen said in a release. “I have felt so much loyalty for the program even after graduating, it just sticks with you in a lot of ways. Staying connected with the program even in small ways has been a privilege over the last couple years, and getting the chance to serve as an assistant coach is an honor. I don’t know that I could find words sufficient to describe how grateful and excited I am for the opportunity.”
We're pleased to welcome @brausey16 back to #GWH as our new assistant coach! 〽️🏒 https://t.co/4HgAFMpE5t pic.twitter.com/TRVl4rqhUU
— Minnesota Women's Hockey (@GopherWHockey) September 14, 2016
Gopher head coach Brad Frost is pleased to have Brausen as a member of his coaching staff.
“Bethany won two national championships, served as a two-year captain, and showed passion and leadership beyond her years during her time as a player,” Frost said. “She co-captained our 2013 undefeated national championship team and was an integral part of helping develop our culture to where it is today.”
Brausen played four seasons with the Gophers from 2010-14, was a four-year letter winner and a three-time WCHA Scholar-Athlete, Academic All-WCHA and Academic All-Big Ten honoree. The two-time captain played in 161 career games scoring 16 goals and 51 points. During her career with the Gophers, they won back-to-back NCAA Championships in 2012 and 2013.