The South Central Jays have announced the hiring of Alex Schmitz as the next head coach of the girls hockey program, bringing aboard a coach with deep Minnesota hockey roots, extensive leadership experience, and a passion for developing student-athletes both on and off the ice.
Schmitz brings 15 years of coaching experience to the South Central Jays bench, including time at the youth and high school levels. Most recently, he served as a U12 girls coach with the Waseca Hockey Association, helping guide a talented group through a historic season that culminated in the program’s first Regional Tournament appearance in girls hockey history. That experience, Schmitz said, immediately showed him what makes hockey in Waseca special.
“Working with the girls program in Waseca last year was one of the most rewarding and enjoyable seasons of my coaching career,” Schmitz said. “The talent and work ethic these girls showed to a new face in their program was second to none. The success they found in each other and as a team speaks to the culture that is being built within girls hockey in Waseca.”
Prior to joining the Waseca program, Schmitz spent three seasons as head boys hockey coach at Faribault High School after serving one season as an assistant coach in the Falcons program. He also built a strong foundation in youth hockey, coaching for eight years with the Faribault Hockey Association and in Bemidji, where he earned a reputation for player development, skill instruction, and building strong team culture.
A former player in the Faribault Hockey Association system and at Faribault High School, Schmitz’s playing career was cut short by injury during high school, but his passion for the game quickly transitioned behind the bench. He now brings that same energy and perspective to a South Central program he believes is positioned for continued growth.
Schmitz holds both NCAA Head Coaching and MSHSL Head Coaching certifications, and is a Level 4 USA Hockey coach, with Level 5 certification pending.
Outside of hockey, Schmitz serves as Director of Golf at Minnesota State University, Mankato, where he leads a successful collegiate athletics program and oversees the development of student-athletes at the NCAA level.
Looking ahead, Schmitz is eager to build on the momentum established by returning players and continue strengthening the foundation of South Central Jays girls hockey.