Hill-Murray School Hires Former University of Minnesota Coaches to Lead Girls Hockey Program
Hill-Murray School Hires Former University of Minnesota Coaches to Lead Girls Hockey Program Natalie Darwitz and Jake Bobrowski Named Co-Head Coaches
For Immediate Release
Contact: John Pohl – Activities Director
Maplewood, MN – (June 7, 2023) Hill-Murray School President Melissa Dan announced today that Natalie Darwitz and Jake Bobrowski, two former University of Minnesota and Hamline University women’s hockey coaches, have been hired as co-head coaches of the Pioneers’ girls hockey program.
Darwitz and Bobrowski have a history of coaching together and bring to Hill-Murray a relationship-driven approach as well as an impressive track record of success at the high school, Division III and Division I levels.
“We are thrilled to have attracted two incredibly experienced and talented coaches who have a reputation for being committed to the development of student-athletes on and off the ice,” said Dan. “We’re confident the two will lead our already successful girls hockey program to even greater heights.”
The Pioneers have reached the Section 4AA final the past two seasons and have won two state championships (2014 and 2015).
Darwitz is one of the most highly regarded hockey players in the history of the women’s game. A three-time Olympian and two-time NCAA National Champion, she also has over 15 years of coaching experience at the high school and college levels. She led Hamline University to the school’s lone Frozen Four appearance and National Championship final as the Pipers head coach. At the helm of Lakeville South, the Cougars advanced to the State High School Hockey Tournament. Most recently, she was the associate head coach at the University of Minnesota, her alma mater.
“Hill-Murray’s dedication to academic and athletic excellence has been demonstrated in their rich history of success,” Darwitz said. “ I am excited and grateful to be a part of the Hill-Murray family. Our philosophies align as we are both committed to mentoring the whole student-athlete and principle-based leadership.”
Darwitz added: “I am looking forward to reuniting with Coach Bobrowski as we share the common goal of continuing the Hill-Murray legacy.”
Bobrowski’s coaching career began at Hill-Murray in 2007 when he was hired to coach JV. He served as the varsity assistant from 2011-2015, when the Pioneers played in three state championship games, winning two. Bobrowski joined Darwitz at Hamline as an assistant coach in 2015 and then moved with her to the University of Minnesota as an assistant coach during the 2021-22 season. Last season, Bobrowski was the head coach at Elmira College and led the Soaring Eagles to an undefeated 17-0 record and a conference championship.
“I’m very excited to be back at Hill-Murray,” Bobrowski said. “This is a special school and program, and I am thrilled to be back within the Pioneer family. I had the pleasure of working alongside Coach Schafhauser and hope to provide the same type of experience for today’s generation of Pioneers.”
Bobrowski added: “Natalie is a fantastic coach with incredible integrity who cares about the players she coaches. I have thoroughly enjoyed coaching with her and can’t wait to see what we can accomplish at Hill-Murray.”
Darwitz and Bobrowski will officially begin their duties when the season begins on October 30th.
Media Availability – Please direct requests for interviews to John Pohl at 651-748-2432 or jpohl@hill-murray.org.
About Hill-Murray
Hill-Murray is an independent, Catholic, co-educational, college, and life-preparatory school serving students in grades 6–12. Rooted in our Benedictine and Lasallian traditions, we embrace the journey of each student and are committed to the growth and well-being of each member of our community. Hill-Murray empowers students to reach their fullest potential by inspiring them to utilize their God-given strengths to become leaders who will make a positive difference in the world.
