Leonardtown, Maryland – St. Mary’s Ryken (SMR) has announced the hiring of Nick Cotroneo as head girls ice hockey coach. Coach Cotroneo will assume the role immediately after serving as the girls’ assistant coach for the 2023-24 season.
Born and raised in Eagan, Minnesota, Coach Cotroneo attended Catholic schools from freshman year through graduate school. He attended St. Thomas Academy, earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame and his graduate degree from Duquesne University.
Cotroneo, who has nearly 40 years of experience as a hockey player and coach, served as a Naval Flight Officer for approximately 13 years before relocating to Maryland in 2015. Since relocating, Coach Cotroneo has been teaching and coaching skating at the Capital Clubhouse.
“My goal with the women's team is to grow the sport and foster a love of the game, with a focus on inclusion for all who want to play, learn and have fun,” said Coach Cotroneo. “I hope to instill a bit of a 'state of hockey' spirit in our small community. I am inspired by Coach Chris Palombi (SMR Men's Ice Hockey Head Coach) and his passion for the sport, and I strive to build on the strong foundation he has built.”
“Coach Nick Cotroneo has served as an assistant coach for our women's ice hockey program in 2022-23 and has been a great contributor to our community,” said Athletic Director John Lombard. “We are excited to promote Nick to head coach because his leadership is demonstrated through relationship building. Coach Cotroneo is an excellent organizer and communicator, and we look forward to him continuing to build on the foundation of the program established by Coach Chris Palombi. We are confident that Nick will lead women's ice hockey in line with SMR's mission to provide a transformational experience for our student-athletes.”
Coach Nick is optimistic about the upcoming season due to a dramatic increase in the number and interest of players seeking the opportunity to play hockey with local traveling teams during the off-season. “Our aggressive off-ice training plan is in full swing with many players taking lessons, heading to the rink on their own time and participating in summer leagues.”
“In addition, you’ll have a great opportunity to interact with current and future players ages 8 to 17 at the St. Mary’s Ryken Summer Nights Hockey Camp, held at the Capital Clubhouse.”For more information about the camp and to apply, visit www.smrhs.org/summerknights
“My experience with last year's team has inspired me to develop and lead the successful student-athletes already in the program. We are committed to providing smart, motivated players with the tools to better understand the game of hockey, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my love of hockey at St. Mary's Ryken.”
Coach Cotroneo has been happily married to Mia for 19 years and the couple have three daughters, one of whom is a senior at St. Mary's Ryken High School.
If you have any questions about the SMR girls ice hockey program, please contact Athletic Director Jon Lombardo at jonathan.lombardo@smrhs.org.
