Kristen Wright joined USA Hockey as its manager of girls player development in December 2014. She provides nationwide support for female hockey, including age-appropriate player development, coach development, and club visits with local associations.

A Minnesota native, Wright played hockey at Shattuck-St. Mary’s School before embarking on a decorated career at Connecticut College, during which she was a two-time team captain, a NESCAC Academic All-American, a NESCAC All-Sportsmanship player and an AWCHA National Scholar Athlete selection. She graduated magna cum laude in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and international relations.

After her time in Connecticut, Wright moved west to pursue her law degree at the University of Colorado. During her tenure in Boulder, she also guided the University of Colorado women’s ice hockey team, earning recognition as 2014 Collegiate Sport Clubs Coach of the Year, while founding the ACHA’s Western Women’s Collegiate Hockey Association. She officiated for 9 years and participated in USA Hockey’s Women’s Regional Officiating Camp.

Following her graduation with a juris doctor degree in 2011, Wright served as senior associate counsel at a Colorado law firm. She had her first taste of international hockey competition as an assistant coach for the 2013 U.S. Women’s National University Team. Additionally, she served as an evaluator at USA Hockey Player Development Camp tryouts for the Rocky Mountain and Pacific districts.

Shortly after joining USA Hockey in 2014, Wright again stepped behind the bench for the U.S. Women’s National University Team, this time as head coach of the American entry in the 2015 Winter World University Games.

Wright is the staff liaison for the Girls/Women’s Section that spearheads efforts to increase female membership, leadership, and visibility. In 2020, Wright established the annual female leadership summit hosted by USA Hockey. She also oversees the Girls National Player Development Camps and sits on committees that support the National Championships, Officiating, and the NHL Female Advisory Committee. Wright is also the general manager for the U.S. U18 Women’s National team.