February 23, 2019, the last time Dollee Meigs (Owen Sound/) would step on the ice as a Waterloo Warrior following a heartbreaking 2-1 playoff exit. So she thought.
 
Fast forward four months, Meigs has ensured she can keep her black and gold colours after accepting the position of associate coach of the women's hockey program.

"It all happened so fast and I am incredibly excited and honoured to work alongside Shaun Reagan and his staff while staying a Warrior," said Meigs. "In his nine years as head coach, Shaun has built this program to one of the best in the country and I am excited to contribute to the momentum."

Meigs joined the Warriors as a student-athlete two years ago (playing the 2018-19 season), taking the Recreation and Sports Business program while finishing her final year of eligibility as a Warrior. 
 
'Female leadership is very important in our department, especially the mentorship of our female student-athletes," said associate director, Brian Bourque. "Dollee possesses the traits that we value in our coaches and we are truly excited to see both the positive impact of Dollee's involvement with our student-athletes and to see Dollee's development and growth as a coach."

Since coming over to join the Warriors Meigs has taken her path to become a coach very serious putting in time to earn her coaching certifications and learn coaching tactics from Coach Reagan. Meigs has worked with the Ontario Women's Hockey Association (OWHA) coaching the highest achieving young female hockey players in Ontario at the Team Ontario Identification and Selection Camps for both U18 and U16 levels. She has also had the opportunity to coach these first-rate athletes on two occasions at the Ontario Summer Games.

"If there is one thing that separates Meigs, it's her work ethic and drive to be the best," said Reagan. "One look at her game film and you will see just how hard of a worker she is and this certainly translates to off the ice as well."

In an interview with Meigs two seasons ago, her goal was to finish her year with the Warriors strong, which she did posting 13 points in 24 games played, then pursue her path to become a coach in U SPORTS. It did not take long for the Owen Sound native to accomplish just that.

"I've always had a passion for teaching and developing hockey players and now I have the opportunity, alongside Coach Reagan and his staff, to develop our student-athletes into driven players. Above all, I preach heart over skill and hope to pave a path for our student-athletes to become the best they can be, both on and off the ice."

Having been a part of the Warriors for the last two season, Meigs is very familiar with the Warriors system, that will assist in the transition to coach. 

"Dollee spent a lot of time with our staff last season coming up with new systems and plays and will step into her new role with ease. She is a student of the game, always learning and finding ways to get the most out of our lineup which will make her a valuable asset for our program for years to come."

Meigs is currently working at the Accelerator Centre and will begin her duties with the Warriors on August 1.