Concordia University Director of Recreation and Athletics Patrick Boivin is pleased to announce the appointment of Julie Chu as head coach of the Concordia Stingers women’s hockey program.
Originally from Fairfield, Conn., Chu comes to Concordia with an impressive hockey résumé from her time as a student-athlete at Harvard University and as an Olympian with Team USA.
“Julie is a special individual with a unique take on our game and student-athlete realities,” Boivin said. “She will undoubtedly continue the tremendous work that has been done for our women¹s hockey program in the last three decades by coach Les Lawton and she has the ability to elevate this program and the sport in the years to come. We are thrilled that she’s highly motivated to continue her time with the Stinger family.”
An extremely talented defensive forward, Chu earned the Patty Kazmaier Award in 2007 as the best female collegiate hockey player in the United States. The prestigious honour capped off an exceptional four-year career for the three-time all-American.
She finished her collegiate career as the all-time assist leader and point scorer in NCAA history with 284 points. (The record was surpassed in 2011).
Chu graduated from Harvard with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.
"Having played university hockey, I understand the challenges of being a student-athlete,” Chu said. “It's a full-time commitment to find the balance of being prepared to excel on the ice as well as in the classroom. However, as challenging as it can be at times, it is an incredible opportunity our athletes have to represent Concordia in both capacities.
“I took pride in being a student-athlete and hope to instil that same sense of pride in our players."
Chu is tied as the second-most decorated U.S. female in Olympic Winter Games history. She was chosen by her peers to lead the 2014 U.S. Olympic Team into the Closing Ceremony as flag bearer.
As a key member and assistant captain of Team USA, She won silver medals at the Olympic Games in 2002, 2010, and 2014, and a bronze in 2006. Chu also won five gold medals at IIHF world championships – 2005, 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2013.
Chu served as the acting head coach of the Stingers for the 2015-16 campaign, stepping in for Les Lawton who went on medical leave. She joined Lawton’s coaching staff in 2014 and her dedication and positive attitude had an immediate impact on the Concordia program.
"I'm extremely excited to continue building off the great foundation Les Lawton has built for more than 30 years,” Chu said.
“We have a talented and dedicated team that comes to the rink ready to work and get better. Each day, we strive to embody our team-first culture in which each member is doing everything possible to make sure we, as a team, are successful. With positive attitudes, a tenacious work ethic, and of course, a fun team environment, we look to develop great hockey players, but even more so, great citizens of our community."
Chu has been building her coaching résumé since she graduated from Harvard. She was an assistant coach for University of Minnesota Duluth and helped the Bulldogs win their fourth NCAA Division I national championship in 2008. She was also an assistant at Union College from 2010 to 2013. This summer, she plans to coach at U.S. U18 development camps.
