Manager of Player Development (AK, MT, ND, SD, WY)
Phone: (719) 538-1518
Kristen Sagaert was named a manager of player development in November 2022 after previously serving four years (2019-22) as a regional manager of female hockey. She joined USA Hockey in December 2014 as a manager of girl’s player development. Her resumé includes extensive experience in both the field of law and the field of sport.
A Minnesota native, Sagaert played hockey at Shattuck-St. Mary’s School before embarking on a decorated career at Connecticut College, during which she was a two-time team captain, a NESCAC Academic All-American, a NESCAC All-Sportsmanship player and an AWCHA National Scholar Athlete selection. She graduated magna cum laude in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and international relations.
After her time in Connecticut, Sagaert moved west to pursue her law degree at the University of Colorado. During her tenure in Boulder, she also guided the University of Colorado women’s ice hockey team, earning recognition as 2014 Collegiate Sport Clubs Coach of the Year, while founding the ACHA’s Western Women’s Collegiate Hockey Association. At the same time, she obtained certification as a USA Hockey Level 4 referee and was invited to participate in USA Hockey’s Women’s Regional Officiating Camp.
Following her graduation with a juris doctor degree in 2011, Sagaert served as senior associate counsel at a Colorado law firm. She also had her first taste of international hockey competition as an assistant coach for the 2013 U.S. Women’s National University Team. Additionally, she served as an evaluator at USA Hockey Player Development Camp tryouts for the Rocky Mountain and Pacific districts.
Shortly after joining USA Hockey in 2014, Sagaert again stepped behind the bench for the U.S. Women’s National University Team, this time as head coach of the American entry in the 2015 Winter World University Games.
Since joining USA Hockey, she has been actively involved with the Girls/Women’s Section, now acting as its staff liaison. She also sits on the NHL Girls Growth Committee and the USA Hockey Youth Council, National Championships committee and Transgender committee.