Omaha Hockey Hall of Fame Coach and Long-time Administrator Mike Hemp Announces Retirement
Mike Kemp joined Omaha Athletics as the first head hockey coach on July 1, 1996. The 2000-01 team posted 24 wins, the most in a single season in UNO hockey history and a record that still stands today. The 17-5-0 home record that the team achieved is also the best home record in program history.
After 12 years of coaching, Kemp served as Associate Athletic Director; Senior Associate Athletic Director - Events/Facilities; and Executive Associate Athletic Director. He oversaw the design and construction of the Hamilton Academic Excellence Room, the conversion of Caniglia Field into a premier soccer facility and the design and construction of Baxter Arena.
“Although his accolades are numerous, his true legacy is evident by the number of lives he impacted as a coach, administrator and leader in the college hockey landscape. I am so grateful to Mike for his leadership, friendship and mentorship,” said Adrian Dowell, Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics.
Kemp was inducted into the Omaha Hockey Hall of Fame in 2009 and the Omaha Sports Hall of Fame in 2013. In 2020, Kemp received the NCHC Commissioners award for leadership to hockey.
“Thank you to the University of Nebraska Omaha and the city of Omaha for giving our family so much support for the past 28 years,” said Kemp. “The experiences I have had and the people I have met throughout my career have truly been a light in my life. I will always be a Maverick!”