Nashville Jr Predators • Girls Tier II (AA)

Girls Tier II (AA) Teams

Coaches

Mel Palmer

Girls 12U & 14U Assistant Coach

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Olivia Hirschy

Girls 12U & 14U Head Coach

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Amanda Lupo

Girls Tier II (AA) Director

Girls 16U Head Coach

Profile

Now in her third season as Girls’ Director for the Nashville Jr. Predators, Coach Amanda is dedicated to expanding opportunities for female athletes and growing the game throughout the community. Leveraging her experience as an NCAA coach and recruiter at Utica University and Hamilton College, she specializes in guiding families through the collegiate transition, having successfully placed athletes in premier Division I, III, and ACHA programs. A former multi-sport NCAA athlete with dual master’s degrees in Health and Physical Education, Coach Lupo combines her elite athletic background with a passion for mentorship to help the next generation of players reach their full potential both on and off the ice.

Ellie Abel

Girls 19U Assistant Coach

Profile

Ellie Abel is a current Vanderbilt University student and former Division I hockey player at Union College. Throughout her career, she captained the Ontario Hockey Academy and served as alternate captain for both Dallas Stars Elite and Team Texas. As a USA Hockey National Champion with 17 years of elite playing experience, Ellie has competed and led at the highest levels of the game. She translates this wealth of on-ice knowledge and championship-level leadership into her roles as 19U Assistant Coach and Player Development Coach, where she is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of athletes and fostering a culture of excellence within the program.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ She is excited to develop, impact and guide female athletes as they navigate their hockey career. Not only will Ellie be the assistant coach for the 19u team, she will also  be aiding in the development of the younger birth years as well. Ellie is entering her first season with NJP!

Nicolas Biciocchi

Girls 19U Head Coach

Profile

Coach Nick grew up in Illinois, where he played competitive hockey throughout the Midwest. He spent a year at Chelsea High School in Michigan before finishing his high school career in Pennsylvania with the Bethlehem Blast. He continued his playing career in juniors with the New Jersey Renegades and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights. His passion for hockey continued as his two daughters began playing, which led him to get involved in coaching. Coach Nick enjoys helping players develop their skills, confidence, and love for the game.  Coach Nick will also be working with the 12U girls' team. He is excited to collaborate with Coach Olivia and Coach Lupo to build a curriculum that will guide players as they move through the 14U, 16U, and 19U age levels. Together, they are focused on creating a clear and consistent development path that supports skill growth, hockey IQ, and confidence at every stage. By working closely as a staff, they hope to provide athletes with a strong foundation that not only prepares them for the next level but also helps them feel supported and confident throughout the process. Nick is entering his first season with the Nashville Jr. Predators!