Hurdle 354. Breaking The Ice: Jessica Campbell On Being The First Female Coach In the NHL, The Importance Of Empathy & Trusting Your Gut
In this episode, Emily sits down with Jessica Campbell, the first female full-time coach in NHL history with the Seattle Kraken. From her childhood skating in a hockey-loving family to breaking barriers in a male-dominated sport, Jessica shares her journey of resilience, grit, and purpose. She opens up about the profound influence of her late brother Josh, the challenges of earning respect as a young female coach, and the weight of carrying the torch for women in hockey. Jessica’s story is a masterclass in overcoming hurdles and staying focused on what matters most.
IN THIS EPISODE
(6:40) How Jessica feels about being the first woman coach in the NHL
(6:59) If Jessica ever thought she could be a hockey coach
(9:28) Jessica talks about what it was like to be a player at the highest level
(13:32) How to figure out how to turn setbacks into positives and use that redirection to your advantage
(15:30) Jessica talks about losing her brother when she was 10, and how her family navigated that devastating loss
(20:21) How she faired playing with the boys through her teenage years, and how she managed the bullying that came with it (one boy even said: "she would be pretty but she shouts like a boy"
(26:49) What characteristics make Jessica a strong coach
(30:40) Jessica talks about how her mom's influence impacted her as a coach
(36:24) Jessica talks about the email she opened in a Las Vegas hotel lobby that changed her life
(40:01) How Jessica hearing "no" after "no" on her career search
(44:50) How Jessica navigates working with older players as a 32-year-old coach
(49:20) How to reframe your perspective when things don't go as planned
(53:49) How Jessica feels being a mentor to young women and girls, and what it's like to see them show up to her games
(57:32) What's next for Jessica and what goals she has on the horizon
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
SOCIAL
@emilyabbate
@hurdlepodcast
OFFERS
ASICS | Join me for the 5th annual ASICS Blue Jean Mile. Each mile is a step towards awareness and funds for mental health awareness. Learn more at ASICS.com.
Lagoon Sleep | Head on over to LagoonSleep.com/Hurdle and use code “HURDLE” at checkout for 15% off
PILLAR | Head to PillarPerformance.shop, or for North American customers, head to TheFeed.com and use the code "HURDLE" for 15% off your first purchase.
JOIN: The Daily Hurdle IG Channel
ASK ME A QUESTION: Email hello@hurdle.us, to ask me a question!