Penn State women’s ice hockey associate head coach Makenna Newkirk will serve as an assistant coach for the 2027 United States Under-18 Women’s National Team, according to a USA Hockey announcement on Apr. 24.
Newkirk’s appointment marks her international coaching debut as the U.S. team aims to secure consecutive gold medals at the IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship, scheduled to take place in Czechia from January 3-11, 2027.
Although this is her first time coaching for USA Hockey, Newkirk has previous experience representing her country as a player. She played on the U22 National Team, was invited to Olympic Tryouts for the 2018 Pyeongyang Winter Games, and attended three National Team Festivals. The Scottsdale, Arizona native also captained Boston College during her collegiate career.
The coaching staff will include head coach Courtney Kennedy (Merrimack), assistant coaches Chris Bailey and Greg ‘Boom’ May (Minnesota), goaltending coach Mackenzie Bruch (Minnesota State), and video coach Bryce Aldrich.
Newkirk recently completed her first season as associate head coach at Penn State after joining as an assistant in the 2022-23 season. In four years with the Nittany Lions, she helped lead the team to its first Frozen Four appearance last season, secured four AHA Regular Season and Tournament Championships, and achieved a program-record of 33 victories during the 2025-26 campaign. The offense set single-season records with 165 goals, 252 assists, 417 points, and scored a record-setting number of powerplay goals.
Under Newkirk’s guidance, players such as Tessa Janecke became highly decorated athletes in program history while others like Grace Outwater earned individual honors including AHA Scoring Champion distinctions. Several forwards mentored by Newkirk were named All-AHA selections.
Looking ahead to January’s championship in Czechia, observers will watch how Newkirk’s experience translates onto an international stage.
