09/14/2026
Extremely heartbreaking and gone far too soon. Our deepest condolences to the entire Middlebury Athletics community, as well as Mac’s family, friends, teammates, and all those whose lives she touched. Her passion, impact, and legacy will be felt for a lifetime. While her time was far too short, the difference she made in the lives of others will never be forgotten. 💙
With deep sadness, we share the news that Assistant Women's Ice Hockey Coach Emily McNamara '07 died on Friday, September 11. As many of you know, Emily suffered serious injuries in a car accident last winter.
We have been in touch with Emily's family to share our sorrow and our full support during this difficult time. We have also spoken with members of our women's hockey team and Athletics staff, who are understandably heartbroken by this news. Emily's husband Dave, all her family, her colleagues, the students on the team, and everyone who knew her are deeply in our hearts.
A member of the Class of 2007, Emily first served as an assistant coach from 2007-2011. She went on to coach the Mid-Fairfield Connecticut Stars, then became head coach of the Hamilton College women's hockey team. She rejoined the Middlebury women's hockey coaching staff in the summer of 2023 as assistant coach.
Over her time at Middlebury, Coach McNamara assisted with three NESCAC championships and four NCAA semifinalist teams. She helped coach nine All-Americans, a NESCAC Player of the Year, and two NESCAC Rookies of the Year. Among many honors, she was the 2023 American Hockey Coaches Association Division III National Coach of the Year; 2023 U.S. College Hockey Online Division III National Coach of the Year; and twice the NESCAC Coach of the Year.
In the coming days, we will post a full In Memoriam of our remarkable colleague in Midd Stories, and share information we learn about a celebration of Emily's life as it becomes available. In the meantime, please keep Emily's family and loved ones in your thoughts.