Cory Whitaker joined CGA Hockey as Head Coach in 2019 while also assuming a role within Culver's Admissions Department. Prior to joining the CGA staff, he had spent the previous seven years as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator in the women’s hockey program at NCAA Divison I Lindenwood University (St. Louis, MO).
His contributions as the program’s goalie coach were highlighted in his development of Nicole Hensley, one of the all-time top women’s goalies in NCAA Division I history and USA National Team and 2018 Olympic gold medalist. Whitaker is well seasoned on the USA Hockey front, having served in lead coach, head coach, and evaluator roles for numerous national development camps and multiple districts. Prior to Lindenwood, Whitaker was the head coach at Grand Valley State University (Allendale, MI) from 2007-12 where he started the program and in just his second season, helped the Lakers earn a bid to the ACHA National Tournament. At GVSU, he coached multiple All-Americans and earned the AHCA Women’s Division I Coach of the Year in 2010. During that stint, he also served as a defensive and goalie coach for Team USA at the World University Games.
Whitaker’s collegiate experience as a goaltender at Grand Valley State University, where he boasted a .903 career save percentage, garnered him first team all-conference and all-star honors in the AHCA Michigan Collegiate Hockey Conference. A native of Grand Rapids, MI, Whitaker earned a bachelor of science degree in Physical Education and Corporate Fitness/Wellness from GVSU in 2001. He holds a USA Hockey Level IV Coaching Certification and is an active member of both the American Hockey Coaches Association and American Women’s Hockey Coaches Association.
Whitaker, along with his wife Julie and children Jaren (14) and Reagan (11), will join the Culver community in early August.
