Lake Forest College Director of Athletics Nicki Pieart announced Friday that Amy Budde, who played for the Forester women's hockey team from 2015-19, will be the program's next head coach.
"I am extremely excited to add Amy Budde to our coaching staff," noted Pieart. "Her vision for the future of the program stood out during the selection process and, as a proud Lake Forest graduate, she clearly has a passion for the College and Forester Hockey. The program has a history of success, and I am confident it will continue under her direction."
Budde earned All-Northern Collegiate Hockey Association honors three times after being named the NCHA All-Freshmen team her first season at the College. She was voted the team's Most Valuable Player twice, captained the team as a junior and senior, and was a Second Team West All-American selection by the American Hockey Coaches Association after her final year. She ranks second in program history with 70 assists and third with 61 goals and 131 points.
Accomplished off the ice as well, Budde earned numerous accolades throughout her time at Lake Forest College. She was honored with the prestigious Nicholas J. Wasylik Senior Athletic Award and the Jane Forester Spirit Award, while also serving as Athletic Council President and the Student Athletic Advisory Committee representative for women's hockey. Additionally, Budde was selected as a Gummere Fellow, gained valuable experience through multiple internships, and participated in the Midwest Conference Female and Ethnic Minority Mentorship Program. She graduated in 2019 with a degree in communication.
Budde has played professionally for the last five years, beginning with two seasons in the top women's league in Sweden. She also spent two years competing for the Buffalo Beauts of the Premier Hockey Federation and one for a team in Villach, Austria, playing in the top league across Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Italy, Poland, and Kazakhstan.
In addition to playing hockey, Budde has been well-connected with the game in various other capacities. She has served as a coach with the Minnesota Ice Cougars, a player consultant with Hecate Sports Group, a communications manager for Sniper's Edge Hockey in Minneapolis, and in marketing and customer success with Helios Hockey.
Budde will be the fifth head coach in program history and will assume her official duties with the College next week.
"It's an honor to be able to come back to a place that has meant so much to me, both on and off the ice, and I look forward to the opportunity to help build upon the success and history of the program," began Budde. "I'd like to thank everyone that helped me get to where I am today, including the search committee, Director of Athletics Nicki Pieart, Vice Presidents Jackie Slaats and Ed Whipple, and all of my teammates, coaches, and friends that gave me wonderful and insightful advice throughout the process."
