Kelsey Kusch Set the Bar for Adrian Women's Hockey Program

Graduated senior Kelsey Kusch had quite a remarkable career at Adrian College. Breaking the team record for career points in only three seasons, Kusch has made a name for herself as one of the most impressive players that the Adrian Women’s Hockey program has seen in their eight year history.

A product of St. Clair Shores Michigan and a Victory Honda AAA alum, Kusch tallied 35 points in 59 games over three seasons with the Victory Honda U16 and U19 teams before making the jump to collegiate hockey in 2011. Kusch played in 25 contests with the Concordia University (Wisc.) Falcons, also NCAA Division III, her freshman year before transferring to Adrian before her sophomore season.

“Kelsey made a huge impact here sophomore year putting 20 goals,” said head coach Coach Chad Davis of Kusch’s rookie season with the Bulldogs, “She was our go-to offensive player.”

Kusch now has sole possession of five Adrian Women’s Hockey all-time records, including points (122), goals (62), powerplay goals (24), career plus/minus (+68), and assists (60). Kusch is also tied for three single game records, which include points in a single game (5 vs Finlandia University 1/23/15), assists in a single game (4 vs Finlandia University 1/23/15), and powerplay goals in a game (2 PPG in three different games). Over her three year career as a Bulldog, Kusch was selected to Third Team All USCHO her senior year following a 36 point season, First Team All USCHO her junior year, and Second Team All American her junior year. Kusch compiled a historic 122 points over a three year span as a Bulldog, leading the entire NCAA Division III in scoring her junior year with 22 goals. Kusch also led the Bulldogs in points her sophomore and junior seasons and was second in points her senior year, barely trailing sophomore forward Kristin Lewicki for the top spot. She led the Bulldogs in scoring all three years of her career.

Not only has Kusch excelled on the ice for the Bulldogs, but in the classroom as well. Kusch graduated with highest honors and a 3.80 GPA earlier this May with a degree in Exercise Science. She was also named to the NCHA All-Academic Team and was most recently named captain of CoSIDA’s (College Sports Information Directors of America) At-Large Academic All District team for her impressive work both on and off the ice. In order to be named as a CoSIDA At-Large Academic All District team, the athlete must have a GPA of at least 3.30 and have reached sophomore athletic and academic standings at his/her current institution and be nominated by his/her sports information director, according to the CoSIDA website.

“Kelsey is a dedicated person, she invests in athletics and her studies. She sets goals for herself and works hard to reach them,” says Coach Davis of Kusch’s dedication to her work ethic on and off the ice, “Kelsey’s work ethic and drive to succeed stood out to me . She shot more pucks in practice then any player in my four years. She was alway working on her release and developing her shot,” he added.

It was her team first mentality, however, that gained her respect from her coaches and teammates alike.

"Kusch is the perfect example of a teammate you want on your side," said teammate senior captain Hannah McGowan, "She's the type of player that comes ready to play everyday, whether it's pre-season, practice, or the biggest game of the year and that's what made her a great leader on and off the ice. Her talent, passion for the game, and team first mentality is something that made her the player, teammate, and leader that she proved herself to be her three years at Adrian."

Although Kusch’s career at Adrian has come to an end, there is no doubt that she has left a lasting mark on the program. Kusch finishes her career at Adrian with 62 goals and 60 assists for a record setting 122 points, 372 shots on goal, and a record worthy +68 plus/minus, and only 20 penalty minutes.

“It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to coach Kelsey at Adrian,” Coach Davis remarked, “Her group (seniors) have helped us take the next step as a program. We are proud she is an alum! Her accomplishments have set the bar for our program.”