SAINT PETER, Minn. – Over the course of the 2024-25 women's hockey season, several Gustavus alumni have shown their pride for the program and its history. Assistant Coach Allie Stanger '19 checked in with a few past players on how the Gustavus women's hockey program shaped their lives. 

Kelsey (Kennedy) Ackmann, 2009-13

Kelsey Kennedy Ackmann (Eagan, Minn.) was selected to the MIAC All-Rookie Team in her freshman year, was a one-time All-Conference selection, and earned Honorable Mention All-MIAC honors twice. While on the team from 2009-13, she helped the Gusties to four consecutive NCAA postseason appearances, winning every MIAC regular season and playoff championship. She totaled five goals and 46 assists for 51 points in 117 games played.  

Kennedy currently serves as an Operations Manager at Mayo Clinic, leading clinical improvement projects in hospitals around the world. She also serves as the President of USA Women's Bandy, and serves on the Gustavus Adolphus College Board of Trustees.

Favorite hockey memory as a player at Gustavus?

KA: The women's hockey team travels abroad every three years to play teams from other countries. As an International Management major, this was very important to me. It allowed me to not have to choose between big college experiences: going abroad and playing a sport that spans both fall and spring semesters.

How did Gustavus impact you as a student-athlete? 

KA: I chose Gustavus specifically because I believed it was the best institution to support my goals as a student-athlete. Gustavus's liberal arts education provides a well-rounded perspective and knowledge to pursue a variety of career paths, but its athletics also provide a well-rounded approach to well-being, including physical activity, time management and prioritization, and simply making life fun.

What did being a Gustavus Women's Hockey player mean to you? 

KA: Playing on the Gustavus Women's hockey team meant being part of a group of committed student-athletes. It meant being part of a legacy that predated me and that I've loved seeing continue after me.

What is the most important lesson that you learned as a student-athlete? 

KA: Being a collegiate student-athlete is as foundational to my life and career path as my major was: discipline, commitment to a team, trying new things, and continuing to improve upon old things. My husband also played hockey at Gustavus, so the team mentality is a fundamental value of our household.

How do you stay engaged and connected with the Gustavus alumni network?

KA: My best friends today are the teammates I had at Gustavus. Some of us see each other frequently, and some of us only every few years, but we always pick up right where we left off. 

What does it mean to you to be able to be on the Board of Trustees at your alma mater and make a difference in future Gusties lives? 

KA: Serving on the Board of Trustees has been an incredible opportunity to give back to the College in ways that I had never expected. It's re-inspired me to appreciate the incomparable experience that Gustavus gave to me all those years ago; I am grateful to have the chance to help facilitate the same for current and future students.

Check out additional alumni features here: 

Courtney Boucher '15
Laine Fischer '19

Once a Gustie, Always a Gustie: Behind the Bench with Women's Hockey