Former Boston University standout and 2014 Olympic gold medalist Tara Watchorn has been named an assistant coach of the BU women’s team.
Watchorn, a 2012 graduate, is the first alum in program history to come back to BU as a full-time assistant coach. Two former BU women’s players are now on staff, as Watchorn joins director of operations Karilyn Pilch (’09).
“I am happy to have Tara return to her alma mater and look forward to her many contributions to our program,” BU head coach Brian Durocher said in a statement. “Her experience and success on the ice will combine nicely with her knowledge of Boston University. She will bring the confidence, demeanor and work ethic that was part of her playing days from youth hockey through her Olympic gold medal. Our staff is fortunate to add a high-quality individual who understands Boston University hockey.”
Watchorn retired from international competition in October after a storied career that was highlighted by an Olympic gold medal with Canada in 2014. She debuted with Canada’s National Women’s Team in 2011 and retired after 46 appearances on the blue line for Canada in international competition. Watchorn is a three-time IIHF Women’s World Championship silver medalist (2011, 2015, 2016) as well as two-time gold medalist at the 4 Nations Cup (2013, 2014).
As a Terrier, Watchorn helped vault the women’s hockey onto the national scene. She scored the overtime game-winning goal to give BU its first-ever Hockey East championship in 2010. Watchorn then helped the Terriers reach the 2011 NCAA title game before winning a second Hockey East championship in 2012. BU made the NCAA tournament in each of Watchorn’s final three seasons with the Terriers.
In 127 games on the BU blue line, Watchorn scored 21 goals and added 63 assists for 84 points. She was a two-time Hockey East and New England Division I All-Star as well as a member of the 2008 Hockey East All-Rookie Team.
In addition to her collegiate and international successes, Watchorn also shined as a professional for the Boston Blades of the CWHL. She played in two CWHL All-Star Games, and was named CWHL Defenseman of the Year in 2015 – the same year she helped her team to its Clarkson Cup victory.
