Julia Colizza has returned to Mercyhurst as an assistant coach.
ERIE, Pa. - Mercyhurst women’s hockey coach Mike Sisti today named Julia Colizza (2003-2007) volunteer assistant coach for the 2008-2009 season. Colizza replaces Sara McDonald, who resigned to pursue other interests.
"I’m delighted to have one of the best all-around players ever to wear a Mercyhurst uniform on our coaching staff," Sisti said. "Julia excelled both on and off the ice and will help greatly in both areas."
Colizza did herself proud in her four years at Mercyhurst as she played for teams that accumulated four College Hockey America regular and postseason titles, made three NCAA appearances, and enjoyed a combined mark of 109-23-15. She made Second Team All Conference in both her junior and senior seasons and was team captain in 2006-2007. She is sixth all-time in career points (126), seventh in goals (47), third in assists (79), second in shorthanded goals (5), tied for fourth in game-winners (11), and fifth in power play markers (16).
She distinguished herself in the classroom as well. She was an annual member of the CHA All-Academic Team and was chosen the conference’s Co-Student Athlete of the Year in 2007. Later that year, Colizza was honored during Mercyhurst's graduation weekend by being named the college's Senior Female Athlete of the Year.
Colizza spent last year both coaching and teaching at Gilmore Academy in Ohio.
"I’m very excited to be coming back to my alma mater. I had a great four years at Mercyhurst and welcome the opportunity to give something back to the college. I’m looking forward to joining Mike and the rest of the staff. It should be a fun season."