Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

POTSDAM – SUNY Potsdam Director of Athletics, Mark Misiak has announced that Olivia Cook, Akwesasne Mohawk, has been promoted to be the Bears women's hockey head coach. Cook, who served as assistant coach last season, replaces Greg Haney.

"I'm thrilled Olivia has accepted our offer to join our staff in a full-time capacity," said Misiak. "I truly believe we have one of the best young coaches in women's ice hockey at the helm of our program. She will be an incredible mentor and role model for our student-athletes."

Last Season, Cook helped the Bears to an 11-14 record. Forward Kaylee Merrill (Wasilla, Alaska/Anchorage North Stars) became the program's first ever All-American.

"I'm extremely excited for the opportunity to work with our student-athletes this season," said Cook. "I was raised 45 minutes north of Potsdam on the Mohawk Territory of Akwesasne. To be able to coach at this level, for a beautiful institution like Potsdam that's so close to home, is such an honor and a dream come true. We have an electric group of hockey players who pride themselves on their character, work ethic and commitment to elevate the program's level of play. I'm excited to see us compete this season."

Cook, a Salmon River graduate, played 89 games for Division I Cornell University. The forward helped the Big Red to three Ivy League Titles, two ECAC Championships, two Frozen Four appearances and multiple top-5 rankings.

Cook served as Salmon River Girls Varsity Hockey head coach for four seasons, guiding the Shamrocks to the New York State Finals during the 2017-18 campaign. Cook has also worked with many teams in the Cornwall Girls Minor Hockey Association over the last decade.

In addition to her extensive coaching experience, Cook brings a unique appreciation for sport as a medium for building mindfulness, healthy lifestyles and community. Prior to coming to Potsdam, Cook served as the Lead Instructor for ActivNation in Waswanipi, Quebec, cultivating healthy routines, communication and social relationships with Cree youth to encourage fitness and overall wellness. She also worked as an instructor for First Assist, a charity working with Indigenous youth in communities across the country.

Off the ice, Cook has been a longtime leader in healthy lifestyle education in her many roles as Diabetes Prevention Educator, Community Activity Coordinator, Mindfulness Instructor, and Alcoholism/Chemical Dependency Prevention Educator.

On campus, Cook is studying Public Health and is a member of SUNY Potsdam's Native American Student Association (NASA), which aims to provide support for and increase visibility for Indigenous students on campus. Cook is passionate about growing the game of hockey for female athletes and Indigenous youth through an emphasis on mind-body connection. As head coach, Cook prioritizes both the competitive demands and aims of the program and the overall well-being of players as individuals, students, teammates and community members.

As the Northeast Women's Hockey League (NEWHL) has been absorbed by the State University of New York Athletic Conference, the Bears will compete in the SUNYAC for the first time this winter.

Cook is the program's third head coach since it was restarted in 2007. Jay Green coached the Bears from 2007-20. Haney followed from 2020-23.

Cook and the Bears open the 2023-24 campaign on October 28, when they host Castleton University at 3 p.m.