Aurora University women's hockey will begin their inaugural season during the 2017-2018 academic year. Spartan Head Coach Grant Kimball announced an addition to his coaching staff in preparation for the upcoming season. Gracen Hirschy will join the AU women's hockey program as a graduate assistant.

Hirschy becomes a Spartan after a four-year playing career at the University of North Dakota. In her four years on defense at North Dakota, Hirschy played in 145 games, scoring 26 goals of which five were game-winning goals, four on the power-play and one was short-handed. She added 40 assists and was a plus-36 for her career, as a senior was an assistant captain. She was on the 2013-2014 WCHA All-Rookie Team and the UND Rookie of the Year. In the classroom, she was a three-time WCHA All-Academic Team recipient.

"I could not be happier to have Gracen as the programs first-ever graduate assistant coach," said Kimball. "Gracen's ability to communicate and connect with people along with her playing experience at the University of North Dakota and national team level with USA Hockey will serve our program and campus community well. I am confident our players will enjoy working with her as she is knowledgeable and passionate about hockey as well as eager to learn what it takes to become a successful coach." 

Additionally, Hirschy has a vast amount of experience with the United States Women's Hockey program. She was a member of the U.S. Women's National Under-18 Team, having played in one International Ice Hockey Federation Under-18 Women's World Championship (silver-2013); two-time member of the U.S. Women's Under-22 Select Team at the Under-22 Series vs. Canada (2015, 2016); member of the 2012 U.S. Women's Under-18 Select Team at the Under-18 Series vs. Canada; five-time USA Hockey August Festival participant; and participated in the 2012 Girls' 17 Player Development Camp, 2011 Girls' 16 Player Development Camp, 2010 Girls' 15 Player Development Camp, 2009 Girls' 14 Player Development Camp.

"I am very excited for this opportunity to continue my involvement in hockey following my playing career and to pursue a master's degree at Aurora University," Hirschy said. "Hockey has taught me many valuable skills both on and off the ice, which I now hope to give back to other players. Coaching has always been a dream job for me and I can't wait to take this next step."

Kimball, Hirschy and the inaugural Aurora University women's hockey roster will open the 2017-2018 season on Friday, October 27, 2017 at Bethel University. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. in Blaine, Minnesota. The home opening weekend is set for the weekend of November 10-12, 2017 when they Spartans welcome Lake Forest College to the Fox Valley Ice Arena.