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12 // MARCH 2020 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM Helping coach a team to victory i n i n t e r n a t i o n a l c o m p et i t i o n is an impressive feat by itself. B e i n g t h e fi r st w o m a n t o w i n gold as both a player and a coach at this tournament is yet anoth- er achievement cementing the Dousman, Wis., native's place in women's hockey history. From her perspective, Decker was just doing her job—a job that, she says, makes her a better player. "Being a U18 player myself back in 2008-09, I understood the nerves they had going into it. I just tried to share my experiences and relate to the girls as much as possible, but I learned a lot from them as well," she said. "I would say, as a coach, I'm a little prouder than I am as a player winning gold. I was just so proud of how hard they worked and how much time and effort they put in to win a gold medal." The successful start to her coaching career doesn't mean that Decker plans on hanging up her skates any- time soon. In fact, she took the ice B rianna Decker is no stranger to the spotlight. Long before her performance in the pre- mier passing drill at the 2019 NHL All-Star Skills Competition, the two-time Olympic medalist posted outrageous numbers in her collegiate, professional and international careers. Her playing resume boasts acco- lades like Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award winner and the NWHL's Most Valuable Player honor, in addition to more than a dozen medals with Team USA. N o w s h e c a n a d d t o h e r g r o w- ing list of accomplishments a gold medal as a coach in her new role as an assistant to Maura Crowell at the 2020 IIHF Under-18 Women's World Championship. "I'm just as competitive as a coach as I am as a player," said Decker, who was also behind the bench when Team USA won silver last year in Obihiro, Japan. "I want to win and I want the girls to be successful and have that feeling of winning a gold medal." INTERNATIONAL By Alyssa Hertel Brianna Decker Adds Coaching Gold To An Impressive Playing Resume when the U.S. faced Canada in the recent five-game Rivalry Series, and has her focus on earning a roster spot for the 2022 Olympics. After that, who knows what comes next. One thing is for sure, Decker would love the chance to continue her coaching career. "I've learned so much from coaching, and I'm thankful for every opportunity. I really enjoy coaching," she said. "From the development camp to the championship, I've definitely enjoyed coaching Team USA's women, and hopefully I can continue that." P O F F T HE D R AW PHOTOS BY Images On Ice –BRIANNA DECKER, Two- time Olympian "I want the girls to be successful and have that feeling of winning a gold medal." A FULL DECK k After winning Olympic gold in 2018, Brianna Decker is helping the next generation of American players.