Emily McNamara Obituary, Cause of Death: Beloved Middlebury Women’s Hockey Coach Dies, Vermont Hockey Community Mourns
Emily McNamara Obituary, Cause of Death: Beloved Middlebury Women’s Hockey Coach Dies, Vermont Hockey Community Mourns
The hockey community is mourning the loss of Emily McNamara, a remarkable athlete, beloved coach, and very special person whose dedication to the sport touched countless lives. Her passing has brought deep sadness to those who knew her, including family, loved ones, fellow coaches, players, and members of the Middlebury women’s ice hockey community.
Emily was a member of the Middlebury women’s ice hockey team, Class of 2007, and went on to begin her coaching career at Middlebury. She served as an assistant coach from 2007 to 2011, helping guide the program and contributing to its success. After her time at Middlebury, Emily continued pursuing her passion for hockey by coaching the Mid-Fairfield Connecticut Stars before becoming head coach of the Hamilton College women’s hockey team.
In the summer of 2023, Emily returned to the Middlebury women’s hockey coaching staff as an assistant coach. Her return brought her back to a program that had already been an important part of her life. During her time at Middlebury, Coach McNamara assisted with three NESCAC championships and four NCAA semifinalist teams, leaving a significant mark on the program and the athletes she helped coach.
Emily’s accomplishments extended beyond team success. During her coaching career at Middlebury, she helped coach nine All-Americans, a NESCAC Player of the Year, and two NESCAC Rookies of the Year. These achievements reflected her commitment to developing players and helping athletes reach their potential both on and off the ice.
Among the many honors Emily received, she was named the 2023 American Hockey Coaches Association Division III National Coach of the Year and the 2023 U.S. College Hockey Online Division III National Coach of the Year. She was also named NESCAC Coach of the Year twice, further recognizing the impact of her work and dedication to collegiate hockey.
As the hockey community remembers Emily McNamara, love and strength are being extended to her family, loved ones, Coach Mandigo, and the Middlebury women’s ice hockey team. Emily’s accomplishments, dedication, and connection to the sport will remain an important part of the Middlebury hockey community. Her legacy as a talented athlete, dedicated coach, and special person will continue to be remembered by those whose lives she touched.
