Jessica Salisbury became the fifth head coach in the program’s 22-year history in May 2026.
Through her time as the lead assistant for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons, she played an integral role in the Hawks’ success through film analysis, on-ice instruction, recruiting efforts, and in-game strategy, helping shape the program’s development as the Hawks reached the New England Women’s Hockey Alliance (NEWHA) championship game this past season.
“I am incredibly honored and excited to accept the position of Head Coach of the Women’s Ice Hockey program at Saint Anselm College,” said Salisbury. “This program has a strong tradition of excellence, competitiveness, and community, and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead such an outstanding group of student-athletes. I am especially excited to help guide the program going forwardI. Change brings new opportunities, and I look forward to helping shape a competitive and successful future for the program while continuing to provide an outstanding student-athlete experience.”
“From the moment we met Jess, it was clear she understands the balance of competitiveness, culture, and care that defines Saint Anselm Athletics,” said Rowe. “Her experience as a head coach, her commitment to academic success, and her genuine passion for developing student-athletes made her a natural fit for this role. We are excited for the future of our women’s ice hockey program under her leadership.”
Before her time on the Hilltop, she served as head coach at Assumption University in Worcester, Mass., where she led student-athlete recruitment, designed practice plans, and coordinated team travel. Under Salisbury's guidance, Assumption was the champion of the Independent Women's Club Hockey League (IWCHL) in 2023 before making a transition to the New England Women's Hockey Alliance (NEWHA), assisting with the program in its first season as an NCAA-sponsored program.
Salisbury previously served as an assistant coach at Becker College during the 2020-21 season, assisting with all facets of the program. Before that, Salisbury was the head coach for one season at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, R.I., in 2019-20. With the Wildcats, she led the team to its best season in program history, finishing third in the New England Hockey Conference (NEHC). Off the ice, her student-athletes collectively earned a 3.60 team GPA. Before her appointment as head coach at JWU, Salisbury was an assistant coach for the program for two seasons from 2017 to 2019.
The Ocean State native has also gained experience coaching at the Rhode Island Sting Gold Medal Ice Hockey Camp under Sara DeCosta-Hayes and Vicki Movsessian, who were both members of the United States women's ice hockey team that won a gold medal at the 1998 Winter Olympic Games in Japan. She also previously served as an evaluator for the USA Hockey Yankee Conference.
Salisbury is a 2015 graduate of the University of Massachusetts Boston, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Studies. She was a four-year member of the Beacons women's ice hockey program and played in 78 games in her career as a defender. She was also the student manager for both the men's and women's ice hockey teams for three years from 2012-15 and additionally served as a supervisor in the school's Student-Athlete Success Center during that time. Off the ice, Salisbury volunteered in the community, spending time with the Shop with a Cop and Team IMPACT programs.
Salisbury graduated from North Smithfield High School in 2011. She was a three-sport athlete, playing ice hockey and lacrosse in addition to running cross country. She was a captain of the women's ice hockey team, an All-State selection twice, and earned Most Valuable Player honors in the Rhode Island High School State Hockey Championships.
Salisbury is currently pursuing her Master of Science degree in Sports Management from the University of Phoenix.
“I look forward to working with our student-athletes, alumni, recruits, and the entire Hawk community as we continue to grow the program and compete at a high level,” Salisbury added. “I am excited for what lies ahead and proud to begin this next chapter at Saint Anselm College.”
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ABOUT JESSICA SALISBURY
“Jess’s experience across all collegiate levels will lead Saint Anselm women’s hockey into its next great era as it transitions to a powerful northeast Division III program. She comes from a family with deep college athletic roots and understands the key components of program development and sustainability. A great person and hockey mind, Saint Anselm is in strong hands.”
Moe Bradley, Penn State University Women’s Ice Hockey Assistant Coach
“Jess is a tremendous asset to the Saint Anselm women’s ice hockey program and a fantastic choice to take over the reigns as the programs next head coach. She is a passionate teacher, mentor, and leader who will get the most from her athletes and help drive Saint Anselm forward.”
Eliza Kelly, Worcester State University Women’s Ice Hockey Head Coach
“With energy, high character, and a commitment to the student-athlete, Jess is the perfect person to lead Saint Anselm women’s ice hockey into its next chapter. She is loyal, hard-working, and has earned the opportunity. I am excited to see Jess build on the growth and success of the program.
Lindsay Berman, Northeastern University Women’s Ice Hockey Assistant Coach
“Getting to work with Jess was truly a great experience. She is an extremely knowledgeable hockey person who excels in her ability to not only teach the game, but she also relates to the players on so many beneficial levels. I am so proud to call Jess a friend and there is nobody more deserving of this opportunity. She is a hard-working coach who will do a great job at Saint Anselm.”
Jack Sweeney, Former Assumption University Women’s Ice Hockey Head Coach (2019-2024)
