BUFFALO, NY – Buffalo State University has hired Rachel Grampp as the head coach of the women's ice hockey team at Buffalo State, Director of Athletics Renee Carlineo announced on Thursday, April 27, 2023.  

"We are thrilled to officially appoint Rachel Grampp as the head coach of the Buffalo State women's hockey program," Carlineo said. "Over the last 18 months, Rachel has showcased her commitment to improving this program academically and athletically, while focusing on the betterment of our student-athletes. Coach Grampp has proven her value as a leader of young women, and I am confident in the direction that this program is headed."

"Rachel has demonstrated a strong knowledge of the game of hockey, an innate ability to build and nurture strong relationships with student-athletes and staff, and has displayed a vision for this program that aligns with our department, our university, and our community. I am excited to see the growth and progress that the Buffalo State women's hockey team will make under Rachel's continued guidance."
 

Grampp took over as the interim head coach for the Bengals partway through the 2021-22 season, and led the Bengals to a six-win improvement in her first full season as interim in 2022-23.
 
During the 2022-23 season, Buffalo State posted its best record since the 2018-19 season, including five victories at home. The Bengals also doubled their goal production from the previous year, scoring 58 goals. That mark was the highest in a single season since the 2016-17 season for Buffalo State. 
 
Grampp mentored freshman forward Vanessa Willick to a NEWHL All-Rookie Team campaign in which she recorded 15 points on nine goals and six assists. Seven student-athletes, including four from Grampp's first full recruiting class, recorded double-digit point totals for the season.
 
 
Prior to taking over as interim coach, Grampp was an assistant coach for Buffalo State from 2019 to 2021. She also has previous coaching experience as an assistant coach with SUNY Canton in the 2018-19 season, and has spent the last four years as a coach for the USA National Development Camp.  

"I would like to thank Director of Athletics Renee Carlineo, Senior Associate A.D. Jeff Ventura, and Associate A.D. Jim Fowler for this opportunity to lead the Buffalo State Bengals as the head women's ice hockey coach. I have been really blessed throughout my career with the support I have received since joining the staff in 2019. Buffalo is where I call home, and words cannot express my gratitude to be able to continue to develop this program, in this city, alongside my family and loved ones. They have helped me tremendously throughout my journey and I would not be here if I did not have their support. I would also like to thank all the coaches I have worked for, with, or had as a player as they have helped mold me into the coach and person I am today," Grampp said.

"I can't wait to continue working with our student-athletes, coaching staff, and administration to bring this program back to its winning ways! This program is loaded with potential, and I look forward to continuing to develop the student-athletes both on and off the ice." 

Grampp was a standout defenseman for Elmira from 2014 to 2018, earning United Collegiate Hockey Conference (UCHC) Defensive Player of the Year and American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) Academic All-American honors as a senior. During her time, the Soaring Eagles earned national runner-up finishes twice, and reached the NCAA Championships in all four seasons. She also was a key member of the women's lacrosse (44 points, 28 goals, 16 assists) and women's soccer teams (120 saves as a goalkeeper) at Elmira.

                       
             
 
Grampp graduated from Elmira in 2018 with degrees in psychology and criminal justice.
 
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT RACHEL

"Rachel is an outstanding mentor and leader that has helped me grow into the coach I am today. She not only leads but makes those around her leaders as well. She is more than deserving to receive this position and has a bright future ahead of her."
-Hannah Nelson, Buffalo State University Assistant Women's Hockey Coach

"Without a doubt, Rachel is a tremendous role model, both on and off the ice. She truly cares about her players as players and as people. She is a great recruiter, and one of the best hockey minds and defensive coaches I've been around. In her time at Buffalo State, the program has progressed greatly, and I'm confident that she will keep moving the program forward in the future. I couldn't be more proud of her!"
-Dave LaBaff, Wilkes University Head Women's Hockey Coach
 
"I'm extremely happy for Rachel and it is deserving given what she's put into the program. You can tell with her hard work that the program is heading in the right direction and I don't doubt it'll continue trending that way."
-Tim Crowley, Cornell University Assistant Women's Hockey Coach
 
"Congratulations on your hiring of Rachel Grampp as the Head Women's Hockey Coach at Buffalo State. I have known Rachel for 17 years. She is so passionate about the game of ice hockey, but more importantly she cares deeply about helping people around her with the day to day challenges they face. Rachel is a natural leader and has accomplished quite a bit in the early stages of her coaching career. She will bring stability to the program which is necessary to help build it into something Buff State can be proud of. Congratulations again!"
-Rick Hopkins, Section VI Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Chair

"Rachel has been a consummate professional in each of our interactions over the past year. I am excited to continue to work with Rachel in the future as she develops the Buffalo State women's hockey program."
-Chris Biondolillo, Buffalo State University Ice Arena Manager