A Legacy Built on Ice

Founded in 1999 by Libby Pettibone, Nina Barker, and Julia Vollmers, the UVA Women’s Ice Hockey Club has grown into one of the most competitive women’s club hockey programs in the Southeast. Today, the team competes in the Women’s Atlantic Coast Collegiate Hockey League (WACCHL) and ACHA Division II.

Founding Years (1999–2003)

The UVA Women’s Ice Hockey Club was officially founded on December 1, 1999, by students Libby Pettibone, Nina Barker, and Julia Vollmers. Within months, the team earned full club sport status and played its first-ever game — a 2–1 victory over Maryland, marking the start of a proud Cavalier tradition.

With support from the Raven Society and a growing coaching staff led by Ryan Benedict, the program expanded quickly. Early leaders like Heather Bolingbroke (Prekop), Michelle L’Heureux, and Jennifer Sokol helped shape a tight-knit, determined team where many players learned the sport from scratch.

By 2003, UVA joined the Delaware Valley Collegiate Hockey Conference (DVCHC) under the ACHA, beginning formal league play and setting the stage for years of success.

The DVCHC Era (2003–2020)

The addition of coaches Dalton Ford and Eric Sawyer launched one of UVA’s most successful stretches. Between 2006 and 2012, the Cavaliers won four DVCHC Championships (2006, 2009, 2010, 2012) and became known for their competitiveness and sportsmanship.

Strong leadership defined these years: Catherine Hovell, Jenny Kane, Katherine Hunter, and Meredith Danberg-Ficarelli were key figures both on and off the ice. Kane became UVA’s first ACHA Academic All-American (2006), and Danberg-Ficarelli was named DVCHC Defensive Player of the Year (2007).

Even when the team faced setbacks — like the loss of Main Street Arena in 2017 — the Cavaliers persevered. Practices and games moved to Richmond, nearly 70 miles from Grounds. Despite challenges, the team captured another DVCHC title in 2018, led by Head Coach Tony DiOrio and Captain Kaethe Walther.

WACCHL and ACHA Division II Era (2020–Present)

In 2020, UVA transitioned to the Women’s Atlantic Coast Collegiate Hockey League (WACCHL) to build stronger regional rivalries. After a pandemic pause, the team bounced back stronger than ever.

Alumna Kelly Townsend — a former president turned head coach — guided UVA to new heights, earning ACCHL Coach of the Year (2024). Under her leadership and continued alumni and parent support, the team earned back-to-back Fall Classic Championships (2023–24), two Regular Season titles (2024–25), and a WACCHL semifinal appearance (2023).

Today, with Head Coach Joe Morrill and Assistant Coach Mike Cleary, the Cavaliers proudly compete in WACCHL/ACHA Division II, continuing a legacy of excellence and resilience.

Legacy and Community

Over 120 alumnae have represented Virginia since 1999, leaving an enduring mark on the program. From founding leaders like Pettibone and Kane to recent contributors like Townsend, every generation has strengthened the club’s foundation.

The team remains student-run, powered by an incredible network of families who provide meals, logistics, and endless encouragement — embodying the Cavalier spirit of passion, perseverance, and pride both on and off the ice.

Championships & Honors

• DVCHC Champions: 2006, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2018

• WACCHL / ACHA DII Highlights: 

  • Fall Classic Champions (2022–23, 2023–24) 

  • Regular Season Champions (2023–24, 2024–25)

• Individual Honors:  

  • Libby Pettibone — DVCHC Founder’s Award (2003) 

  • Jenny Kane — ACHA Academic All-American (2006) 

  • Meredith Danberg-Ficarelli — DVCHC Defensive Player of the Year (2006–07) 

  • Nancy Norman — DVCHC Sportsmanship Award (2011) 

  • Victoria Spitzer — WACCHL Rookie of the Year (2022)

  • Tess Cleary — Goalie of the Year (2023)

  • Kelly Townsend — ACCHL Coach of the Year (2024)

  • Olivia Sliwa — ACCHL League MVP (2025)