Madison Maloof, a Peoria native and Bradley University graduate, has been named the inaugural head coach of the university’s newly formed women’s club hockey team. Her lifelong involvement with the sport, which includes competitive play in the Women’s Central Hockey League, positions her to shape the program from its first practice.
The initiative is part of a larger expansion by Bradley to add five Premier Club Sports for women over the next two years. In addition to hockey, the university will launch women’s flag football, soccer, STUNT and wrestling, aiming to provide more athletic opportunities across campus.
A New Chapter for Bradley Women’s Hockey
Maloof says the team will initially target a roster of fifteen skaters and at least one goaltender, a size that will allow the program to compete at a level that matches the depth of talent on the ice. The exact venue for home games has not been finalized, though discussions are ongoing about using the Owens Center as a primary location.
Because the team is still assembling, organized competition may not begin until the 2027‑28 season, giving Maloof and her staff time to evaluate the strength of the incoming class and to fine‑tune the schedule. The university plans to assess the roster’s readiness before determining the level of play and the official game calendar.
Beyond the on‑ice ambitions, Maloof brings a deep connection to the Bradley community and a passion for developing young athletes. Her leadership is expected to foster not only competitive success but also a lasting culture of growth for women’s club sports at the university.