In her time with the Bulldog women's hockey program, Grgas-Wheeler coordinated communications for a pair of national titles in 2008 and 2010 as well as nine NCAA Tournament appearances. Now celebrating the program's 25th anniversary in the 2023-24 campaign, Grgas-Wheeler has held a historic position with the team and continually showcases the program with her comprehensive knowledge.
A native of Duluth, Minn. and graduate of Duluth East High School, Grgas-Wheeler went on to be a three-time All-Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) soccer forward at Ottawa University. A two-year captain, she was voted the team's Most Valuable Player three times while rewriting the school's record books, owning all-time marks for goals, assists, and points. A multi-sport athlete, Grgas-Wheeler was also a four-year letterwinner for the Braves on the basketball court, before earning her bachelor of English degree from OU in 1999.
Grgas-Wheeler also made coaching stops at Texas El Paso and Cochise College (Ariz.) before joining the Bulldogs. Still active as a Gitchi Gummi Club youth soccer coach, Grgas-Wheeler resides in Duluth with her twin sons Lachlan and Luka.
Grgas-Wheeler's family skating at the AMSOIL Arena at a UMD communications staff party: Luka, Charla, Kelly, Lachlan.
Until recently, your position at Minnesota Duluth included both soccer coaching responsibilities and communications duties. What made you decide to go all-in on athletic communications?
KGW: There were a number of factors, but the first one was that the travel for coaching was taking me away from my (twin) sons Luka and Lachlan in the fall, and I was starting to feel like I was really missing out on a lot of things. I missed a lot of Halloweens, games, things they were involved in.
While communications is busy, my sons, who are almost eight, have always been able to come to games and have enjoyed it, and I started to think about a life after coaching. I also knew we needed a full-time communications person in the department again, and I felt strongly, cared enough about UMD athletics, and had the knowledge to be that person.
How did you first get involved with the communications department at Minnesota Duluth in 2007?
KGW: My second year of coaching – in 2005! They knew I had an English degree, so they asked if I would cover communications for both basketball teams. I did for two seasons before they really needed me to move to women's hockey in 2007-08, so I did, and I have been with them ever since.
You're a mom working in college athletics and your twin boys can frequently be spotted at events. What makes your work a fun family affair and what do they look forward to?
KGW: College athletics is demanding of your nights and weekends, no questions. But you have so much flexibility outside of the games scheduled, so I always say there's flexibility outside the rigid. And of course the summers - you get to summer! My sons love the teams I cover so much.
For instance, they were at the UMD women's hockey NCAA selection show getting the autographs on their jerseys from the players new to the team this year. They are all in, and it makes it extra special. I also work with great teams who love the boys being around too, and it really makes it worth it that they can be a part of it all, too.
While leading a modest staff, Minnesota Duluth holds a high profile with its successful Division I hockey programs and has hosted major events such as the Women's Frozen Four. What goes into the organization and planning for you and your staff?
KGW: Because I have been around for so long now and we have hosted so many of those events, I sometimes forget we aren't staffed like a Penn State or a Minnesota. We are lucky to have a great venue and so many people willing to volunteer so much of their time to make these events happen. In my first season covering women's hockey, we hosted at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) and won the whole thing! I thought that's just what happened. It was wild, but I do think it's really cool to host these top tier events.
Hanging out in the AMSOIL Arena press box: Kelly's sons Luka (front), Lachlan and UMD mascot Champ.
Your department includes teams competing across different divisions and conferences. How do you go about balancing coverage and procedures with the programs?
KGW: I have actually found that really challenging this year because it has been decades since I covered DII sports and it's quite different from the DI teams. But I feel strongly that all teams should be covered similarly and deserve their stories be told. And we are so lucky in Duluth to have amazing local media that fully covers UMD athletics - it is second to none. It makes my job easier, because it's not hard to sell our teams because they already value them.
Your staff includes the dedication of student workers for events and in the office. What do you find the most rewarding part of mentorship to be?
KGW: That was the one thing I knew I would miss from coaching - being around young people. They have kept me young for so long! But these kids that start to get it or can write a story on their own? It makes me excited for them. Or whatever they are doing for us – photography, graphics, etc. - they figure in on so much of what we are doing and we are lucky to have them.
As a local of Duluth, Minn., what's it like covering your hometown teams now as a professional?
KGW: I grew up a massive men's hockey fan in the mid-80's – Brett Hull, Norm Maciver, Bill Watson. They were larger than life. We had season tickets and I watched all the games on TV that I didn't go to. As I got older, it was the basketball teams I followed too, and I just put UMD athletics on this huge pedestal. When women's hockey burst on the scene, I wasn't in Duluth, but I still knew about it. I have so much pride in UMD athletics. It's in the fabric of who I am. It's hard to explain, but there's no logo on the planet I love more than that Bulldog head.
What has been a highlight of your career so far?
KGW: The national titles have been really fun. The one at the DECC in 2008 when we hosted the Frozen Four was unreal, and then going to the White House? That was amazing. The 2010 title at Ridder Arena (Minneapolis) in triple overtime was insane. I have a special place in my heart for the NCAA title game in 2022, because seeing the program return to that level was special. Last year, both our basketball teams did so well and I jumped in to cover our women's team. Going to Dallas for their NCAA national championship game was also an unreal experience (all three NCAA women's basketball national championships were held at the American Airlines Center in Dallas that weekend). These of course are just my communication highlights, but NCAA runs with soccer are up there, too. I have been lucky. Success is fun to be a part of, what a gift to have been a part of so much.
Grgas-Wheeler with sons Luka and Lachlan at the WCHA Final Face-Off.
Rapid Fire with Kelly:
Favorite Taylor Swift Album: 1989…but this is like asking if I have a favorite kid!
What is your dream sporting event to attend? Women's Soccer World Cup
Must-have snack for road trips? Twizzlers
Favorite work trip you've been on? Washington D.C. and the White House. Hands down.
What plans do you have for the family this summer? Right now nothing, because I just want summer. I just want my brain to be present and not worried about deadlines or games. I am really looking forward to it!