When Doug Derraugh ’91 committed to play ice hockey for the Big Red as an undergrad, it was Lynah Rink’s electric atmosphere that helped seal the deal. Fourteen years later, Derraugh, a biological sciences major in Arts & Sciences, returned to that iconic venue in a new and unexpected role: as head coach of the women’s program, a post he has held for the past two decades.
Under Derraugh’s leadership, the team has won the ECAC tournament five times and advanced to the NCAA tourney 10 times, including playing in the national Frozen Four in 2011, 2012, 2019, and 2025; it made the finals in 2009–10, losing in the third overtime—the longest NCAA championship game ever played.
Derraugh also led the team to five consecutive 20-win seasons (starting in 2009–10), a first in program history. But more important than wins and trophies, Derraugh emphasizes, is creating a culture of athletes who feel comfortable and connected to each other, and who enjoy showing up every day.
“I think my players would say I’m passionate, invested, and loyal; some may say demanding,” says Derraugh.
For Micah Zandee-Hart ’19, BA ’20, a former three-year captain for the Big Red and current captain of the New York Sirens in the Professional Women’s Hockey League, observing Derraugh in action gave her invaluable lessons in leadership.
As Zandee-Hart, who majored in psychology in A&S, recalls, Derraugh told her during recruiting that if her dream was to make the Canadian Olympic Team, he’d do his utmost to make it happen. If she’d be on the ice at 6 a.m., he’d meet her there with his shin pads on.
