Justin Simpson

"Norwich University is an incredible institution with a mission and guiding values that prepare graduates for success in their careers and life. I am excited to build upon the foundation already in place and continue the success Norwich women’s hockey has had at the national level."

Justin Simpson enters his second season as head coach of the Norwich University women's ice hockey program after leading the Cadets through one of the most accomplished seasons in program history.

In his first year behind the bench, Simpson guided Norwich to a 26-3 overall record, an undefeated Little East Conference campaign, the inaugural LEC regular-season and tournament championships, and the program's first NCAA Division III Frozen Four appearance since 2018.

The Cadets won 23 consecutive games, spent more than a month ranked second nationally, earned an at-large NCAA Tournament selection, received a first-round bye, and defeated Hamline University at Kreitzberg Arena to advance to the national semifinals.

The season established Norwich once again among the nation's premier Division III women's hockey programs, but Simpson measures its significance through more than championships and national rankings. The team's success was built on trust, accountability, shared purpose, and a commitment to playing for one another.

A Championship Standard

Simpson arrived at Norwich with a vision for developing a connected, team-first program capable of competing at the highest level.

That vision quickly translated into results.

After beginning the season 3-2, Norwich won 23 straight games and completed a perfect conference season. The Cadets captured both the LEC regular-season and tournament titles before earning an NCAA at-large bid and advancing to the Frozen Four.

Norwich reached the national semifinals as one of the youngest teams, with only three seniors on the roster and just three players with previous NCAA Tournament experience. The Cadets nevertheless pushed Nazareth University into overtime before concluding their season one victory short of the national championship game.

For Simpson, the run was not defined by a single result. It reflected months of preparation, attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to the process.

Developing Nationally Recognized Players

Simpson's first season produced significant individual recognition at the conference, regional, and national levels.

Livia Brooks and Maggie Hunter earned American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) First Team All-America honors, while Madison Brunet was named an AHCA Third Team All-American. Their selections brought Norwich's total to 27 All-Americans in program history.

Brooks became only the second three-time All-American in Norwich women's hockey history and was named the LEC Player of the Year. Hunter earned All-America recognition during her freshman season and was selected as the LEC Rookie of the Year. Brunet became the first goaltender in program history to receive All-America honors after setting a single-season Norwich record with nine shutouts.

Simpson was named the LEC Coach of the Year and the New England Division III Coach of the Year by the New England Hockey Writers Association.

The honors reflected both individual excellence and the culture of development that Simpson and his staff established throughout the program.

Excellence in the Classroom

Norwich women's hockey matched its championship performance on the ice with exceptional academic achievement.

The Cadets received the Little East Conference Team Academic Award after posting a 3.69 cumulative team grade-point average, the highest among the conference's women's hockey programs. Twenty-two student-athletes were named to the LEC Academic Honor Roll.

Twelve Cadets were also recognized as AHCA Krampade All-American Scholars. To qualify, student-athletes were required to maintain a 3.75 grade-point average during each semester while meeting the association's participation requirements.

Sophomore defenseman Alex Leslie received the NCAA Elite Scholar-Athlete Award, presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative undergraduate GPA competing at the championship site. A biochemistry major and First Team All-Conference selection, Leslie carried a perfect 4.0 GPA.

For Simpson, academic accomplishment is not separate from athletic success. Both require preparation, discipline, time management, and a willingness to meet high expectations.

Focused on the Process

Throughout the season, Simpson encouraged his team to remain present rather than become consumed by long-term outcomes.

Practices, film sessions, individual preparation, and daily habits became the foundation for Norwich's success. Instead of beginning each day focused on reaching the Frozen Four, the Cadets concentrated on becoming better during the opportunity directly in front of them.

That process-driven approach helped Norwich navigate the pressure of competing without a conference automatic qualifier and build the body of work required to earn an NCAA Tournament berth.

It also reflects Simpson's broader approach to leadership: establish demanding standards, remain accountable to them, and allow consistent preparation to shape the results.

Real Coach. Real Connection. Real Growth.

Simpson's coaching style is built around connection, communication, and accountability. He believes in empowering student-athletes while developing their confidence, character, and skill within a team-first culture that supports success in every aspect of life.

His goal is to help Norwich student-athletes develop the confidence, character, resilience, and leadership skills required to succeed throughout their lives. Athletic achievement matters, but so do academic growth, personal responsibility, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to a community.

At Norwich, that development occurs within a University whose mission and Guiding Values emphasize service, leadership, discipline, and useful citizenship.

Simpson's program expects student-athletes to pursue excellence in every part of their experience: on the ice, in the classroom, within the team, and throughout the Norwich community.

Coaching Highlights

• Guided Norwich to a 26-3 record during his first season as head coach
• Led the Cadets to an undefeated Little East Conference season
• Captured the inaugural LEC regular-season and tournament championships
• Advanced Norwich to the NCAA Division III Frozen Four for the first time since 2018
• Directed a 23-game winning streak and a month-long stretch ranked second nationally
• Named LEC Coach of the Year
• Named New England Division III Coach of the Year by the New England Hockey Writers Association
• Coached three AHCA All-Americans
• Coached the LEC Player of the Year and LEC Rookie of the Year
• Coached the NCAA Elite Scholar-Athlete Award recipient
• Led Norwich to the LEC Team Academic Award with a 3.69 team GPA
• Guided 22 LEC Academic Honor Roll selections and 12 AHCA Krampade All-American Scholars