For seven long years, Bryan Vines has been the head coach of the RPI Women’s Hockey team, yet instead of being a mentor and leader, he became a consistent source of degradation for the female athletes who aspired to fulfill their childhood dreams of playing Division 1 college hockey. Throughout his tenure, he belittled, scolded, and played mind games with these young women, often giving up on them when they needed guidance the most. The prospects who arrived at RPI envisioned it as a period that would define their transition into adulthood through the sport they loved. However, their experience was marred by the figure meant to guide them.

Despite the challenges posed by Bryan Vines, these women found strength not in their coach, but in each other. They built a unified front, supporting and uplifting one another through trying times, bonding together against a common adversary instead of the camaraderie and mentorship they deserved from their leader. As athletes, they were looking for someone to mentor and inspire them, yet they only received a harsh, degrading environment under his leadership. This toxic atmosphere is not only unacceptable but a stark deviation from the values of respect, encouragement, and growth that college sports should embody.

The presence of someone who continuously undermines his athletes does a disservice not just to the individual players, but to the entire RPI community and its reputation in the collegiate sports landscape. Maintaining a coaching staff that fails to nurture and inspire is an impediment to progress and excellence, damaging the potential of the entire program. There is a desperate need for a coach who not only understands the game but also knows how to foster a supportive and positive environment for his team members.

Our call to action is immediate and clear: remove Bryan Vines from his position as head coach of the RPI Women’s Hockey team. RPI deserves, and indeed requires, leadership that embodies respect, integrity, and dedication to enhancing the player experience on and off the ice. The athletes deserve encouragement, inspiration, and the opportunity to thrive, without being subjected to constant belittlement and negativity.

Join us in advocating for a change that will cultivate excellence and a positive culture for current and future RPI Women's Hockey players. Sign this petition to help ensure that the dreams of these athletes are respected and supported, paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future that honors their commitment and heart. Your signature is a step towards empowering these young women and insisting on a higher standard for their leadership.