Former Forester two-sport athletes Michelle Greeneway and Ari Lifschutz are now the head coaches for the club hockey teams at Northwestern University.

Michelle Greeneway '16
Growing up in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Michelle Greeneway was surrounded by hockey from a young age. Her dad played recreationally, and with three older siblings in the sport, she started skating at just three years old and instantly fell in love.

Michelle always knew she would play some form of competitive hockey. When it came time for college, Lake Forest immediately felt like home. "It was the perfect distance from home, close enough for my parents to come for games, but far enough for me to grow independently," she said. "I knew I'd get a great education, and even if sports didn't work out, I'd still be somewhere I loved."

At Lake Forest Michelle earned the Laura Hurd Division III Player of the Year Award in hockey and was a four-time all-conference player, two-time conference players of the year, and team captain in both hockey and soccer. She also helped lead both teams to league titles and is still the only player in NCAA history to score at least 100 goals in both sports. "Being a dual-sport athlete was super challenging, but that was kind of the fun of it," she said. "One of my favorite memories was finishing one of our last soccer games of the season, then running straight to the rink with my cleats still on to get ready for our first hockey game," she said. "Moments like that made it all worth it."

After earning her degree in finance, Michelle began her career in investments, spending five years with Allstate before joining Deerpath Capital, where she continues to work today. But her passion for the game never left. Now, she's back behind the bench as head coach of Northwestern University's women's club hockey team.

At Northwestern, Michelle is focused on building a strong, competitive culture rooted in teamwork and accountability. With players from all different hockey backgrounds, she emphasizes growth, effort, and enjoyment of the game. "It's rewarding to watch players develop both as athletes and people," she said. "I try to create an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to push themselves. If you're giving your time to the team, be fully committed. That's when it becomes the most fun."

Reflecting on her time at Lake Forest, Michelle credits her Forester experience for shaping her approach to leadership and team culture. "Everything I am as an adult comes from being a Forester athlete," she said. "My teammates became my family, and I learned to balance academics, sports, and life. I try to bring that same energy and connection to my players now."

Ari Lifschutz '12
Originally from Long Beach, New York, Ari didn't grow up surrounded by hockey, but one road trip to Canada changed everything. "My dad got me into a hockey camp there, and strapped me on skates for the first time," he recalled. "From that moment, I was hooked."

From playing AAA hockey at 15 years old, then four years of juniors in Canada, Ari was recruited to Lake Forest College, where it felt like the perfect fit. "It had everything. Small class sizes, a great community, and access to the city for internships," he said.

At Lake Forest, Ari played for the men's hockey team and even suited up for the football and club rugby team. After working several years in finance and now pursuing his MBA from Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management, Ari found himself reigniting his love back to the game.

He began helping out Northwestern's ACHA Division III men's team during the pandemic that grew into a long-term role. "I never thought I'd be a head coach, but I fell in love with it," he said. "Seeing how much the players care about improving, it's so much more than just showing up to win."

Now in his fifth season of coaching, Ari has built a culture centered on accountability, positivity, and family. "The number one rule I tell my players is to be good people," he said. "We take care of each other. There is no hierarchy or drama. Everyone is here for the right reasons."

Under his leadership, the Wildcats have reached the first round of the playoffs four years in a row, and Ari has his sights set on breaking through to the second round this season. Coaching some of the brightest students in the country, he takes pride in balancing competitiveness with perspective. "I take more of a life approach than just an on-ice one," he said. "Hockey should be a release, not something that adds stress. We keep expectations high, but we also make sure players know this is a family that supports them."

Ari also helped launch Northwestern's new women's program, driven by his desire to expand opportunities for student-athletes. "We always had one or two women skating with us, and it never sat right that there wasn't a women's team," he said. "Now, seeing both programs grow side by side is incredible."

For Ari, coaching is more than just a game. He sees it as a mentorship and connection. "You get to be a role model," he said. "At this level, you're there for players through their ups and downs, career questions, and personal challenges. It's rewarding to help them grow both on and off the ice."

When asked what advice he'd give current Foresters, Ari emphasized the power of connection. "Start building your network early. Reach out to alumni, be genuine, and ask to learn, not just for a job," he said. "The Forester community is tight knit. Use it and pay it forward when it's your turn."