The Milwaukee Admirals, an American Hockey League affiliate team of the Nashville Predators, have appointed their first female coach in team history. Amanda Long is the video coach for the Admirals, reviewing footage and tagging everything that happens during the game.
According to TMJ4, Long’s work gives other coaches on the bench nearly instant access to footage and the detailed play-by-plays they rely on while the action takes place on the ice. Long also works on recruiting footage and videos used to scout opponents.
"I have designated hotkeys for any sort of event that happens in the game… chances for, chances against, power plays, penalty kills, breakouts, forechecks, you name it,” said Long. “I'm tagging it so the coaches can pull up anything they want that they need.”
Long started playing hockey in California as a youth athlete, then earned a scholarship to Wayne State University and Lindenwood. After her competitive career was over, Long worked as the director of operations for women’s hockey at Minnesota State University.
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"I loved being on the bench and being out there with the players and stuff, but I really think my niche was the video coaching," Long said.
When it comes to considering her position as the first female coach with the Admirals, Long said, “I try not to let my mind go there too much, but then when you reflect on it, sometimes you think, man, there could be more women doing this.
"These jobs are difficult to get, and so if you have an opportunity, just take advantage of it,” she said. “It shouldn't matter what you might think people are going to think of you, you just have to be willing to go after it.”
