Kim Insalaco has recently decided to retire from playing ice hockey professionally. However, her journey in sports does not end here.
As a passionate female ice hockey player, Kim wants to ensure that she gives back to the hockey community that gave her such a rewarding experience. Kim sees the need for more female coaches to exist and is therefore taking up the challenge of becoming one herself. She aspires to be an assistant coach of a Division I ice hockey team and over time, advance to become a head coach.
Along with becoming a coach, Kim wants to continue her involvement with special needs athletes. A few years ago, Kim saw a group of special needs athletes playing on a field behind her church and was completely inspired by their positive energy. No longer did she just see them as adults with physical and mental disorders, but she viewed them as athletes with physical and mental disorders who have dared to overcome their limitations. Kim said, “I think the kids are so rewarded in so many senses. They feel like they’re really accomplishing something. They get that same feeling that I would get if I scored a goal for my tea or if I had a great penalty kill. It’s that same feeling.” and this energy the kids give off is why Kim wants to continue working with them.
Although Kim Insalaco is retiring as a player, she vows to never let her passion for ice hockey fade away.