Emily McNamara Obituary Former Middlebury Hockey Star and Hamilton Coach Dies at 42
The women’s college hockey community is mourning the death of Emily McNamara, a highly respected coach and former Middlebury College standout whose career was defined by championship success, leadership and a deep commitment to the athletes she coached.
McNamara died on September 11, 2026, at the age of 42, according to reports from the Middlebury and Hamilton hockey communities. Her death came months after she was seriously injured in a car accident near her home in Vermont on March 20. Earlier updates had described her condition as stable as members of the hockey community followed her recovery and hoped for her return.
The circumstances surrounding the crash and McNamara’s precise medical cause of death have not been fully detailed in reliable public reports. Her death followed a difficult period of recovery after the March accident, which profoundly changed the course of a life closely connected to college hockey for nearly two decades.
McNamara became a standout player at Middlebury College, competing for the Panthers from 2003 through 2007. She appeared in all 116 games of her collegiate career, recording 66 points from 22 goals and 44 assists. During her playing career, she helped Middlebury capture three consecutive NCAA Division III national championships from 2004 through 2006.
After graduating, McNamara began her coaching career, returning to Middlebury as an assistant coach before later working at the youth level. In 2012, she joined Hamilton College, eventually becoming head coach of the women’s hockey program.
Her time at Hamilton established her as one of Division III women’s hockey’s respected coaches. McNamara was named NESCAC Coach of the Year twice, including in 2023. That same year, she received national recognition as the American Hockey Coaches Association Division III National Coach of the Year.
McNamara returned to Middlebury in 2023 as an assistant coach, reconnecting with the program where she had first built her legacy as a championship-winning player. She had been expected to take on a greater role following the planned retirement of longtime Middlebury coach Bill Mandigo, but those plans were disrupted by the March accident.
Her death has prompted grief among former players, coaches, colleagues and supporters throughout the college hockey community. For many athletes, McNamara’s influence extended beyond victories and championships. She was remembered as a coach who demanded commitment while investing deeply in the growth and development of her players.
McNamara is survived by her husband, Dave Campbell. Her passing leaves behind a grieving family and a hockey community that had continued hoping for her recovery.
Emily McNamara’s legacy will endure at Middlebury, Hamilton and through the many athletes whose lives she touched. She will be remembered as a championship player, accomplished coach and mentor whose influence reached far beyond the hockey rink.
