Laura Halldorson became the inaugural women's hockey coach of the Golden Gopher program in 1996 and assembled a powerhouse from day one.

Over the next 10 seasons, the Plymouth, Minn., product guided the Gophers to an average of nearly 28 wins per year and made national tournament appearances in eight of 10 seasons. Halldorson led the Gophers to five consecutive Frozen Fours and won three national championships (2000, 2004, 2005) and seven tournament and regular season WCHA Championships during her tenure. She amassed a 278-67-22 record (.787) while at Minnesota and was inducted into the M Club Hall of Fame in 2014.

Coaching seven years at Colby College before her hiring at Minnesota, Halldorson completed an 18-year head coaching career (337-142-31 overall record) in 2007 and was a three-time national coach of the year honoree.