Seattle Kraken assistant coach Jessica Campbell is undeniably a trailblazer, undeniably an inspiration. Good on Campbell for earning her stripes, and good on the Kraken, specifically head coach Dan Bylsma, for providing the opportunity.
Deservedly, dozens (and dozens) of stories have been written on that topic. Heck, I alluded to that topic myself twice this week, writing about a highway sign to be unveiled in her hometown, and her ascendancy being named “Sports Story of the Year” at a Seattle awards banquet.
I normally prefer to focus on the qualities Campbell shares with the best of her male counterparts. Hockey smarts; preparation; passion; competitiveness; work ethic; innovation; teaching and communication skills. You know, the traits that make an individual, regardless of gender, a worthy NHL assistant coach.
Now though, events of the current news cycle require reporting on that singular way Jessica Campbell differs from all others at her level; a quality which one day, fingers crossed, will be so common it won’t be worth mentioning: she’s female.
This was the online headline this week at ElleCanada.com:
“Campbell has teamed up with L’Oréal Paris’ ‘Worth It’ program,” Elle’s article explained. “More than anything, she wants other women and young girls to know that if she can do it, they can too. ‘It’s about women empowerment – despite the noise and the voices we often hear surrounding doubt, that we aren’t capable or that we don’t belong, it’s about proving that we do belong.'”
(For what it’s worth, I’m neither pro- or anti-makeup no matter how a person identifies, as long as the products aren’t tested on animals. I still remember purchasing foundation at the Clinique counter when I got my first job as a weekend TV sports anchor.)
A promotional ad filmed for L’Oréal Paris opens with Campbell deep in thought, looking at her reflection in a mirror. A voice-over chorus of media wonders whether women will ever break into NHL behind-the-bench coaching.
Campbell’s voice is then heard, as she’s seen applying makeup, entering the arena, and conducting her coaching duties.
“When self-doubt is tripping in your ear, saying ‘You just got lucky,’ do you listen? I don’t. When we drown out the noise, and give it all we’ve got, we can finally hear the voice inside loud and clear: ‘We’re worth it.'”
For The Record:
Campbell told Elle, “I really try to embrace my femininity – which I always have – and not try to fit in a male-dominated world, but just be myself authentically. I know that showing up every day to do my job to the best of my ability as myself, as someone who doesn’t look like everybody else in this industry, is important and makes a statement.”
Sportsnet screengrab.
She invited Sportsnet on a gameday morning to conduct part of their interview while getting her hair styled. “It’s energy. It’s relaxing. It’s also nice to have a friend away from the rink,” Campbell said.
“I take pride in my work. I feel the best in my own skin, and showing up as the best version of myself fuels my confidence. I wear my suit. I wear my jewelry. I have my hair and makeup done.
“I won’t ever stray away from that because I think it’s important to show that strong, feminine women can do a man’s job.”
Campbell told Elle she’s mindful of the balancing act – doing her best for the Kraken, at the same time role modeling for all the people she’s inspired, who might one day want to follow in her footsteps.
“If I do a good job, if our team has success, the impact that I have will be good and help grow the game for people with different voices and different backgrounds. The pressure is there, but it’s pressure I put on myself to do a good job, and that doesn’t distract me or add more to my plate, it just fuels me in a positive way to ensure that I am doing everything I can to the best of my ability. That’s what’s in my control.”