Notre Dame Academy Assistant Coach Earns NHL Recognition for Female Leadership in Hockey

Madison Scheinberg, assistant coach for Notre Dame Academy's varsity hockey team in Hingham, Massachusetts, has achieved a significant milestone in her coaching career by earning recognition from the NHL Coaches Association Female Coaches Program.

The program, which honors exceptional female coaches working at the youth level, places Scheinberg among an elite group that includes trailblazers like Jessica Campbell, the Seattle Kraken coach who made history as the first female coach in the NHL. Scheinberg's nomination came in August 2025, acknowledging her outstanding contributions to developing young female athletes.

Under Scheinberg's guidance alongside head coach Bill Burke, Notre Dame Academy's girls hockey team delivered an impressive 14-2-3 record during the recent season, earning the top position in the MIAA power rankings. The team's success culminated in an advancement to the MIAA Division 1 Final Four, showcasing the impact of strong coaching leadership.

"Throughout the season, this young team balanced positivity, trust, and high performance," said NDA president Annemarie Lynch Kenneally. "They reflected a message lived out by their coaches at each practice and in each game."

Scheinberg's influence extends far beyond the hockey rink. Serving as Notre Dame Academy's health and wellness coordinator, she spearheads school-wide wellness initiatives designed to support students in grades 6-12. Her holistic approach focuses on helping young women develop strength, confidence, and resilience across all aspects of their lives.

"I want to inspire the next generation of female leaders and build a culture where girls are valued as people first, fully supported and empowered to become confident, resilient leaders who embrace challenges," Scheinberg explained.

Her educational background reflects her commitment to understanding both the physical and mental aspects of athletic performance. Scheinberg earned her bachelor of science degree in biology and psychology from Suffolk University, where she demonstrated her own athletic prowess by competing in NCAA competition for five years in both ice hockey and golf. She further enhanced her expertise by obtaining a master's degree in sport psychology.

This combination of academic knowledge and practical experience has enabled Scheinberg to develop a coaching philosophy that emphasizes mental toughness alongside technical skill development. Her recognition by the NHL Coaches Association highlights the growing acknowledgment of women's contributions to hockey at all levels.

The Female Coaches Program serves as a vital platform for recognizing and promoting female leadership in hockey, an area that has traditionally been male-dominated. By celebrating coaches like Scheinberg, the NHL is working to encourage more women to pursue coaching careers and provide role models for the next generation.

Scheinberg's achievement represents not just personal success but also progress for women in sports leadership. Her dual role as coach and wellness coordinator demonstrates how female leaders can make multifaceted contributions to athletic programs while fostering environments where young athletes can thrive both on and off the ice.