Grand Rapids, Mich. — The next chapter of Aquinas Women's Hockey begins with a familiar West Michigan hockey voice stepping behind the bench.
Taelynn Otte has been named the sixth head coach in the history of the Aquinas College Women's Hockey program, bringing with her an impressive blend of high-level playing experience, championship-level coaching success, and a deep connection to the local hockey community.
The 2026–27 season will mark the 12th year of Aquinas Women's Hockey, and Otte will take the reins of a program eager to build on its foundation and continue growing within the highly competitive collegiate hockey landscape.
"We are extremely excited to welcome Taelynn to Aquinas and to the Saints family," said Damon Bouwkamp. "Her passion for the game, her leadership experience, and her proven ability to develop players stood out throughout the process. Taelynn understands the importance of building a culture that supports student-athletes both on the ice and in the classroom, and we believe she is the right person to lead the future of our women's hockey program."
Otte brings an impressive resume to Aquinas after serving as the Girls Director and coach for the Grand Rapids Amateur Hockey Association (GRAHA). During her time with the program, she helped guide teams to four state championships and six consecutive national tournament appearances, establishing herself as one of the premier developers of girls hockey talent in West Michigan.
In addition to her coaching success, Otte is a respected skills and skating instructor and the founder of the Greater Than a Game Hockey Camp, a program dedicated to developing young athletes both on and off the ice.
Her experience as a player is equally impressive. Otte competed at the NCAA Division I level at Lindenwood University, where she served as team captain for three seasons, demonstrating the leadership qualities that now shape her coaching philosophy.
"Taelynn's background in the game is exceptional," said Brandon Rozema. "She understands what it takes to compete at a high level because she has lived it as a player and a coach. Just as important, she has a tremendous passion for developing athletes and building a positive culture within a program. We are excited to see the direction she will take Aquinas Women's Hockey."
Otte holds a degree in Elementary and Special Education, a background that complements her commitment to mentorship and player development. She said Aquinas stood out to her because of its faith-based mission, commitment to well-rounded education, and the opportunity to impact student-athletes during an important stage of their lives.
"I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead the Aquinas Women's Hockey program," Otte said. "Aquinas represents so many things that are important to me — faith, education, and a commitment to developing young people both as athletes and as individuals. I'm excited to get to work with our student-athletes and continue building something special here."
Otte resides in Grand Rapids with her husband, Justin Crow, and their two daughters, Revlynn and Rhaella.
As the Saints prepare for their 12th season of women's hockey, the addition of Otte signals an exciting new era for the program — one built on leadership, player development, and a growing passion for the game in West Michigan.
With a rising pipeline of talent, a supportive campus community, and a coach deeply invested in the growth of the sport, the future of Aquinas Women's Hockey appears poised to skate forward with renewed energy and optimism.
It's a great day to be a Saint!
