Isabella Franchi | Staff Writer | ifranchi@mail.smcvt.edu
Coaches after their first win against Post.
The St. Michael’s College women’s ice hockey team celebrated its first victory under new head coach Meghan Sweezey, ‘10, and assistant coach Spencer Fascetta, defeating Post University on Saturday, Oct. 12.
Fascetta has an impressive background in the sport of ice hockey. He has served as a graduate assistant coach at Vermont State University Castleton and a director of video operations for the Princeton University women’s ice hockey team.
Both coaches expressed their pride and excitement for their team and its future.“I get to wake up and smile every day about getting to do what I love,” said Spencer Fascetta who was hired as a full-time assistant coach in August 2024.
He has also worked as a draft consultant for the New York Sirens, a franchise for the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). And a data analyst for the St. Louis Blues, of the National Hockey League (NHL). Now, Fascetta says he has found his home at St. Michael’s College and has no plans of leaving anytime soon
The win against Post University was significant as St. Michael’s College women’s ice hockey was ranked last in the preseason rankings, while Post University was ranked higher and part of the same conference.
“It’s not about time, it’s about the team and Sweezey getting to have that moment because they have been working on it a lot longer, I am just lucky to be here with them,” said Fascetta following their first win.
Head coach Meghan Sweezey, who played four seasons at St. Michael’s College and volunteered as an assistant coach for many years, could not pass up the opportunity to return to her alma mater.
She left but has found herself back at St. Michael’s College. Sweezey says if she were offered a coaching job anywhere else she would have just stuck with her current role at that time leading Girls 4 Hockey.
“Because it was Saint Mike’s I could give back to the program that gave me so much, so it made a huge difference. It was a goal of mine to be here, but the timing was a little different than I planned,” said Sweezey.
Coach Sweezey replaced Chris Donovan who served as the program’s head coach for 24 seasons before Sweezey took over in June 2024. Coach Donovan coached Sweezey during her college career.
“To be able to come in and fill his shoes and do a lot of things that I know he wanted to do but didn’t have the opportunity and resources to execute as well as he wanted is really cool. He is like a second father to me,” said Sweezey, getting emotional, as she shared she still stays in touch with Donovan and is honored to now be in his seat.
The St. Michaels College women’s ice hockey team has a total of 26 players, 10 being first years. This year they are starting from scratch says Sweezey but, both coaches say they have the utmost confidence in their team to surprise a lot of people this season.
“That’s the cultural shift we are trying to make; mentally, we know we can do it. And I think now they know they can do it too,” said Sweezey.
The team is not only learning how to play with the new freshman class but also, adapting to a whole new coaching staff. As a result, they have had close games including going into overtime against Saint Anselm College.
“Having a new coaching staff has been great. You can see and feel every day at practice how much they want this team and us as individuals to succeed,” said Maddie Quinn, ’27, who plays defense.
Both coaches have big plans to make a difference on the rink and off of it. Coach Sweezey has worked with Girls 4 Hockey raising money and making sure the game of women’s hockey continues to grow.
Fascetta shares a similar passion which is expanding the sport and acknowledging the lack of resources for women’s ice hockey. Both continue to show their excitement for the future of this program.
“These chances don’t come around all the time, and I am so grateful to be here with this team and see what they do,” Said Fascetta.“I am really excited for this team. I care about this program deeply and I care about them deeply and I want