University of Minnesota Athletics
Laura Halldorson Announces Retirement
6/1/2022 8:16:00 AM | Athletics
After 25 years at the University of Minnesota, Laura Halldorson has announced her retirement from Golden Gopher athletics. The former Gopher women's hockey coach and Golden Gopher Fund staff member has been with the organization since 1996.
Halldorson became the inaugural women's hockey coach of the Golden Gopher program in 1996 and assembled a powerhouse from day one. Over the next 10 seasons, the Plymouth, Minn., product guided the Gophers to an average of nearly 28 wins per year and made national tournament appearances in eight of 10 seasons. Halldorson led the Gophers to five consecutive Frozen Fours and won three national championships (2000, 2004, 2005) and seven tournament and regular season WCHA Championships during her tenure. She amassed a 278-67-22 record (.787) while at Minnesota and was inducted into the M Club Hall of Fame in 2014. Coaching seven years at Colby College before her hiring at Minnesota, Halldorson completed an 18-year head coaching career (337-142-31 overall record) in 2007 and was a three-time national coach of the year honoree.
Following her coaching retirement in 2007, Halldorson was an integral part in the Golden Gopher Fund for 15 years. Halldorson led special projects related to endowed scholarships and assisted with many Annual Fund initiatives over the years. Campaigns Halldorson specially assisted with included the "Back to Campus" donor wall and naming opportunities at the football stadium, the annual student-athlete thank-a-thon, and the selection of recipients for over 200 endowed scholarships each year.
"Working at the U of M for over 25 years has brought a lot of joy to my life," Halldorson said. "As a young girl growing up in Minnesota in the 70's and playing on one of the few girls' hockey teams in the area, I wasn't even aware that college women's hockey existed until my senior year of high school. I never imagined that I could be a head coach at the Division I level here at the "U" in my home state 15 years later! I want to thank all of the wonderful players, staff members, administrators, and donors who made Gopher Women's Hockey a reality. Due to their commitment, passion and hard work, many girls in Minnesota can now represent their home state both on the ice and behind the bench.
"I also loved my time as a member of the Golden Gopher Fund. I had the chance to meet a lot of people, and I especially enjoyed working with some of our most passionate Gopher supporters. It was also very rewarding to help raise money for many of our teams, including the one I used to coach. I have so many wonderful memories of my time in Gopher Athletics, and the friendships I gained there will continue to be very important to me. As I begin the next chapter in my life, I look forward to having more time available to focus on my top priorities of faith, family, and friends, while also continuing to support the Gophers in any way I can!"
Halldorson became the inaugural women's hockey coach of the Golden Gopher program in 1996 and assembled a powerhouse from day one. Over the next 10 seasons, the Plymouth, Minn., product guided the Gophers to an average of nearly 28 wins per year and made national tournament appearances in eight of 10 seasons. Halldorson led the Gophers to five consecutive Frozen Fours and won three national championships (2000, 2004, 2005) and seven tournament and regular season WCHA Championships during her tenure. She amassed a 278-67-22 record (.787) while at Minnesota and was inducted into the M Club Hall of Fame in 2014. Coaching seven years at Colby College before her hiring at Minnesota, Halldorson completed an 18-year head coaching career (337-142-31 overall record) in 2007 and was a three-time national coach of the year honoree.
Following her coaching retirement in 2007, Halldorson was an integral part in the Golden Gopher Fund for 15 years. Halldorson led special projects related to endowed scholarships and assisted with many Annual Fund initiatives over the years. Campaigns Halldorson specially assisted with included the "Back to Campus" donor wall and naming opportunities at the football stadium, the annual student-athlete thank-a-thon, and the selection of recipients for over 200 endowed scholarships each year.
"Working at the U of M for over 25 years has brought a lot of joy to my life," Halldorson said. "As a young girl growing up in Minnesota in the 70's and playing on one of the few girls' hockey teams in the area, I wasn't even aware that college women's hockey existed until my senior year of high school. I never imagined that I could be a head coach at the Division I level here at the "U" in my home state 15 years later! I want to thank all of the wonderful players, staff members, administrators, and donors who made Gopher Women's Hockey a reality. Due to their commitment, passion and hard work, many girls in Minnesota can now represent their home state both on the ice and behind the bench.
"I also loved my time as a member of the Golden Gopher Fund. I had the chance to meet a lot of people, and I especially enjoyed working with some of our most passionate Gopher supporters. It was also very rewarding to help raise money for many of our teams, including the one I used to coach. I have so many wonderful memories of my time in Gopher Athletics, and the friendships I gained there will continue to be very important to me. As I begin the next chapter in my life, I look forward to having more time available to focus on my top priorities of faith, family, and friends, while also continuing to support the Gophers in any way I can!"
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