Jessica Campbell is prepared to draw on her past experiences to help her succeed in her new role with the Seattle Kraken.
Campbell was interviewed by Chris Walker as she takes part in Kelowna Hockey Fest on Friday.
Related: Kraken Hire Jessica Campbell As Assistant Coach Making Her The First Woman To Be Behind The Bench In NHL History
Her past experiences not only include her time as an NCAA player or as the assistant coach of the Coachella Valley Firebirds alongside Dan Bylsma but also some of her time in Okanagan.
"In sport, you're always drawing on that experience and the work you've done to build that confidence of knowing what you're getting into," said Campbell. "I can't speak enough to just how prominent those years were for me, doing the work here in Kelowna and establishing my own business, working with the pros really on my own. It allowed me to establish my coaching voice."
A coaching voice is important for every coach but its importance intensifies as she coaches the forward group. At times, forwards can build a bit of an ego and it will be important for her to not only give them the best coaching to score goals but to succeed as a team.
Related: "I Believed I Could Do It," Jessica Campbell Is Ready To Help The Kraken
The 32-year-old assistant coach was asked about establishing relationships with many new faces and gave a wonderful answer.
"It's a lot than people think. At the end of the day, we're all human beings and approach them as a human being first. At the core of every athlete, I think these pros leave gender out of it — they want to be helped, they want to know you care about them, and really it's not about me. I'm the coach that's there to guide them, help them and support them. I want them to know that right from the beginning. I think you can establish rapport and trust and then build on that. But it's earned, it's not just given immediately. So I think showing up for them and really listening to them as a player and as an athlete, as a person. Like, where do they struggle? Where are they strong? And how can I insert myself to fill that gap and bridge some of those areas to support them. But making it all about them is the best way to establish those strong relationships."
As the first woman to work behind the bench of an NHL team, lots of eyes will understandably be on her. Many people will want to see her prosper but there will be a large group that won't. Campbell is a seasoned professional and will be able to manage the criticism and harsh comments.
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