Grand Rapids, MI -- With heavy hearts, the Aquinas College Athletic Department shares the news of the passing of former Women's Ice Hockey Head Coach Lisa Brown-Miller, who led the Saints program from 2019 through the spring of 2022. Coach Brown-Miller passed away on May 2.

An Olympic gold medalist, Hall of Famer, and trailblazer in women's hockey, Coach Brown-Miller brought exceptional experience and unwavering dedication to Aquinas, helping to shape not only the program but the lives of the young women she coached.

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Lisa Brown-Miller, who led our women's hockey program from 2019 to 2022 with unwavering passion, integrity, and a championship mindset," said Dr. Ronald D. Reeves, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics at Aquinas College. "Lisa was not only a decorated Olympian and coach, but a mentor and role model who made a lasting impact on the lives of her student-athletes and colleagues. Her leadership helped lay the foundation for our women's hockey program, and her legacy will always be a part of Aquinas College Athletics. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched."

Coach Brown-Miller made an immediate impact when she arrived at Aquinas in 2019. Taking over a program that finished 6-22 in her first season, she led a dramatic turnaround, guiding the Saints to a 10-2-1 record in the shortened 2020-21 season. Her influence extended far beyond the win-loss column—she championed academic achievement, personal growth, community involvement, and faith-based leadership among her players.

"I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Aquinas Women's Head Coach Lisa Brown-Miller," said Brandon Rozema, Aquinas Director of Hockey Operations. "She was a great coach, mentor, and builder for the Aquinas Women's Hockey program. To see what she was able to build in her short time at Aquinas was inspirational. My thoughts are with her family and friends and the many players that she coached."

Before joining Aquinas, Brown-Miller built a legendary career both on and off the ice. A standout at Providence College, she was named the ECAC and AWHCA National Player of the Year, and she went on to coach at Princeton University, leading the Tigers to multiple Ivy League Championships. She also served as an assistant captain for Team USA and helped lead the Americans to a gold medal at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics.

Throughout her life, she remained committed to growing the game of hockey, particularly in the Grand Rapids area, where she coached youth players through the Griffins Youth Foundation and Patterson Ice Arena programs. She was known for her humility, fierce competitiveness, and belief in the power of sport to transform lives.

The AQ Women's Hockey program shared, "Coach Brown-Miller was instrumental in the growth of our program and girls' hockey in West Michigan. She was passionate about her players taking full advantage of our academic opportunities, contributing to our communities, leaning on our faith, growing as people, and becoming better hockey players. We are grateful for our time with Coach Brown-Miller."

Visitation and Memorial Information

• Visitation: Thursday, May 15, 3:30–7:30 p.m. at the Weaver House at Pine Bend Park. Details & Directions
• Memorial Service: Friday, May 16, 11:00 a.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, with a reception to follow.

Lisa Brown-Miller's legacy will live on through every athlete she inspired, every team she built, and every person she uplifted through her remarkable life in and beyond the rink.