Bio

Fitchburg State University is proud to announce the appointment of Rebecca Brown as the first head coach of its newly established women’s varsity ice hockey program. 

Brown joins the Falcons from Wilkes University, bringing an elite pedigree of collegiate success and international professional experience to lead Fitchburg State into its inaugural season in 2027-2028. Wilkes finished 25-2-1 overall this winter, and fell to Nazareth University, 2-1 in overtime, in a NCAA Division 3 Championship quarterfinal.

The appointment of Brown, of Steamboat Springs, Colo., follows the university’s landmark decision to add women’s ice hockey as its 18th varsity sport. 

Brown, a former standout at Utica University and Norwich University, most recently served as an assistant coach at Wilkes University. Her extensive ice hockey background includes a professional playing career in Sweden, Hungary and Germany, as well as a Frozen Four appearance as a student-athlete.

“We are thrilled to welcome Rebecca Brown to the Falcon family,” said Fitchburg State University Executive Director of Athletics & Recreation Matt Burke. “Rebecca stood out in our national search as a leader who understands the blueprints of a winning program. Her experience as a captain and coach at the Division 3 level, and a professional athlete makes her the ideal person to build this program from the ground up and recruit student-athletes who will excel both on the ice and in the classroom.”

Brown graduated from Utica University with a bachelor's degree in nursing in 2020, and a master’s degree in healthcare administration in 2022. 

As a forward/defenseman, the 6-foot Brown tallied 38 goals and 41 for 79 points in her career at Division 3 Utica. She owns the program's 2nd-most career blocked shots (56) and 2nd-best career power-play shot percentage (18.60%).

Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge emphasized that Brown’s hiring is a pivotal moment in the university’s strategic growth.