Jackie Barto, the first coach of women’s hockey at Ohio State, has decided to retire from coaching after 12 seasons with the Buckeyes and 27 years overall.
Barto was hired at Ohio State in 1999 to start the women’s hockey program after spending five seasons as the head coach at her alma mater, Providence.
“It has been an incredible opportunity to start the program and see it develop over 12 years,” Barto said in a statement. “I want to thank (former Ohio State director of athletics) Andy Geiger and Archie Griffin (former Ohio State assistant athletics director and current president of the OSU Alumni Association) for giving me the opportunity.”
Barto is currently exploring other career opportunities.
“I have worked with tremendous people and outstanding student-athletes,” Barto added. “I am proud of what we have accomplished over the last 12 years. I think our program is in a good spot right now.
“I have been coaching for 27 years and I’ve always wondered when I’d know (if it was time to retire). Today I can honestly say ‘I know.'”
Barto is ranked eighth in career wins among women’s Division I coaches with 248 victories.
Ohio State will immediately begin a national search for Barto’s replacement.
