Rose Misiewicz was a member of the Middlebury women's ice hockey team who graduated in 2006. Currently, Misiewicz serves as the head coach of the United States Women's Sled Hockey Team. Recently, the team competed in the 2023 Sled Games and won the gold medal, defeating Canada 5-2 in the championship contest.   How did you get involved with the U.S. Women's Sled Hockey Team?

I got involved with women's sled (Sledge) hockey in 2010. I got a call from a former coach and at that time a co-coach (Shawna Davidson) that had been volunteering on USA hockey boards and committees. She was approached by a couple of gentlemen that wanted to start a US women's sled team. They had previously started the US men's sled program and it had recently been turned over to USA Hockey to lead. They wanted the women to have the same opportunity. 

Shawna and I started that year with a camp in Milwaukee, Wisconsin run through Sled Hockey of America, with a handful of players. USA hockey took this program over during the 2018-19 season, I became the head coach, and I asked Hannah DeLong '06, to come on board as the assistant coach. 
How has sled hockey grown since you got involved and what was it like being the head coach at the 2023 Sled Games?

This program has grown dramatically over the 14 years that I have been a part of it. We carry a full roster at all times, and at the last try-outs that we had there were 40 skaters that attended. Sledge hockey is on a path to become a paralympic sport, and we are in year three of that journey right now. There have been two World Challenges thus far (2022 & 2023). The USA took gold in both of those World Challenges, defeating Canada in both gold medal games. It was so exciting to be a part of the events, and also to see how far this sport has grown over the past 14 years. 

This is a program that fills me with energy. To be a part of this program and see how passionate the ladies are, and how excited they are to come to camp every month is inspiring. This is a group of ladies that have had a significant amount of challenges in their lives, and when we are all together and on the ice, none of that matters. Having been an able-bodied hockey player back in my day, it amazes me what these athletes can do. They balance themselves on the ice with skate blades under their bottom, and the core strength and balance that this requires. They propel themselves up and down the ice with their arms, while trying to stick handle and shoot with both hands, it is remarkable. Most recently we had a border battle (three-game series with Canada, both men and women). The USA women took all three games in that event this March. The 2024 World Challenge location and dates are still to be determined, and we look forward to that upcoming event.
 
Is there one piece of advice you would pass down to current Middlebury student-athletes?

I would say to soak it all in. Take the time to appreciate everything that you have. Being a student-athlete at Middlebury is a time commitment and it is important to challenge yourself to embrace other activities and all of what Middlebury has to offer. Focus on building the relationships with teammates and other people while at Middlebury. The relationships that you will build have the potential to last a lifetime. Also take care of yourself, and live in the moment. This is not a time that you will be able to re-do at a later date, so enjoy it as this really is a special opportunity that you have.
What was your Midd Moment?

I don't know if I have a specific memory of Middlebury per say. In general, what sticks with me from my time at Middlebury is how diverse and how many opportunities are at Middlebury if you embrace them. The people that I met there have become life-long friends. Being part of the women's hockey team at Middlebury was very special. I feel all the teams that I was a part of were teams that were like family. Both with the players and the coaching staff. Both the trust and conflict that took place within the team were signs that we really were a functioning team on and off the ice.
For more information on Rose's journey with the U.S. Women's Sled Hockey Team, please click here.