Women's Ice Hockey | 9/2/2026 3:00:00 PM
Elmira, N.Y. – Elmira College Director of Athletics Rhonda Faunce has announced the hiring of Eliza Beaudin '22 as the next Head Women's Ice Hockey Coach. A former Soaring Eagle captain, NCAA Division III All-American, Team USA representative, and accomplished prep-school coach, Beaudin returns to Elmira to lead the program where she made her mark as a student-athlete.
Beaudin becomes the first alumna to serve as head coach of the Elmira College women's ice hockey program, bringing her journey with the Soaring Eagles full circle.
"Eliza's connection to Elmira College and our women's ice hockey program is incredibly special," said Faunce. "She understands what it means to be a Soaring Eagle, she understands the expectations that come with wearing the Elmira jersey, and she has continued to develop as a coach since graduating. Her playing experience at Elmira and at the international level, combined with her coaching experience and passion for developing young women, makes her an exciting addition to our program. We are thrilled to welcome Eliza back home!"
A four-year member of the Elmira women's ice hockey program from 2018-22, Beaudin was one of the most accomplished student-athletes of her era. She appeared in 90 career games, recording 58 goals and 61 assists for 119 points, earning her a place as the 17th member of Elmira's 100-Point Club.
Beaudin served as an alternate captain during the 2020-21 season before being named captain for her senior campaign. During the 2021-22 season, she earned CCM/AHCA First Team All-American honors, was named the NEHC Player of the Year, earned NEHC First Team All-Conference honors, and was a finalist for the Laura Hurd Award, presented annually to the top NCAA Division III women's ice hockey player.
Her senior season also saw Beaudin earn DIII Women's Sport Student-Athlete of the Year, D3CCA Regional Student-Athlete of the Year, Empire 8 Co-Woman of the Year, and Elmira College Female Outstanding Career Achievement Award, among other honors.
Following her Elmira career, Beaudin continued to compete at an elite level, representing Team USA at the 2023 FISU World University Games in Lake Placid, NY, where she competed alongside some of the top collegiate players in the country and internationally.
Her transition from player to coach began at Canterbury School in New Milford, Connecticut, where she served as an assistant coach for the girls' varsity ice hockey program from 2022-24 before being named head coach in August 2024.
"It's difficult to put into words how much this opportunity means to me," Head Coach Eliza Beaduin '22 adds. "Elmira is a special place with such special people! I am looking forward to working with these incredible athletes to continue the legacy that is Elmira College Women's Hockey. See you at the domes!"
Beaudin also brings a strong academic and leadership background to the position. She graduated from Elmira College in 2022 with a bachelor's degree in psychology, earning a 3.93 overall GPA and 4.00 major GPA. She was named to the Dean's List in all eight terms at Elmira and earned numerous academic honors, including CoSIDA Academic All-America and Academic All-District recognition along with four AHCA All-American Scholar selections.
She returns to Elmira with the opportunity to lead the program she once captained and help write the next chapter of Soaring Eagles women's ice hockey.
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