Sally Komarek has been named the New England Hockey Journal Girls Prep Coach of the Year following a historic season for Big Red.

Komarek guided Exeter to the Patsy Odden Large School Championship, capping off a memorable postseason run and delivering the program's first championship since 2000. Big Red finished the winter with a 19-7-2 record, totaling the program's highest win total since the 2008-09 season, while outscoring opponents 97-62 overall and 13-6 during the playoffs.

"Coach Komarek is incredibly deserving of this recognition," said Jason Baseden, Director of Athletics and Physical Education. "The growth of our girls hockey program under her leadership has been remarkable, and watching this team capture a championship this winter was a special moment for our entire community. Sally leads with passion, care, and a deep commitment to her students and this honor is a reflection of the impact she has had on our community."

Exeter's postseason run was truly exciting. Entering the tournament as the top seed, Big Red produced a dramatic comeback in the quarterfinals, rallying from a three-goal third-period deficit to defeat Middlesex in overtime. Exeter followed with an impressive 5-1 semifinal victory over BB&N before securing the Patsy Odden Large School Championship with a 4-2 win over Choate in the title game.

The team's success was further reflected in the postseason honors, as Maria Gray, Paisley Meyer, and Grace Riley each earned All-NEPSAC recognition, while Erin Sears and Mia Griffith received All-NEPSAC Honorable Mention honors.