Emily McNamara, affectionately known as “Mac,” is continuing a long and challenging recovery after suffering life-threatening injuries in a March 2026 vehicle collision in Vermont.
Known throughout the women’s ice hockey community for her coaching career and dedication to athletes, McNamara has spent nearly two decades building relationships with players, colleagues, friends and fellow coaches.
Her recovery has now brought together people from across the Middlebury and Hamilton College communities, as well as family members and friends, who are supporting her through an extended rehabilitation process.
What Happened to Emily McNamara?
The accident occurred on March 20, 2026, while McNamara was driving from her Vermont home toward the athletic facilities at Middlebury.
During a sudden ice storm, her vehicle reportedly lost traction and collided with a tractor-trailer traveling in the opposite direction.
The crash caused severe injuries affecting multiple parts of her body. Among them were fractures involving her face, neck, clavicle, ribs and pelvis, along with a traumatic brain injury.
She was initially treated at Porter Hospital before being transferred to the University of Vermont Medical Center for specialized care.
Emily McNamara Accident and Recovery Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Emily McNamara |
| Nickname | “Mac” |
| Accident date | March 20, 2026 |
| Location | Vermont |
| Occupation | Women’s ice hockey coach |
| Colleges associated with her coaching career | Middlebury College and Hamilton College |
| Major injuries | Multiple fractures and traumatic brain injury |
| Initial hospital care | Porter Hospital |
| Major medical treatment | University of Vermont Medical Center |
| Rehabilitation | Spaulding Rehabilitation Center |
| Current recovery setting | Family home in New Hampshire |
Six Weeks in Neurological Intensive Care
McNamara’s injuries required an extended period of intensive medical treatment.
After being transferred to the University of Vermont Medical Center, she spent approximately six weeks in the neurological intensive care unit.
During that period, she underwent multiple surgeries and required continuous critical care.
She was medically sedated and placed on a ventilator while doctors worked to stabilize her condition and manage the effects of her injuries.
Once she was able to breathe independently, McNamara was moved from intensive care to the hospital’s general care unit.
Her recovery then entered another important phase.
Beginning Rehabilitation at Spaulding
On April 29, McNamara was transferred to Spaulding Rehabilitation Center.
There, her recovery involved daily physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech and language pathology.
The rehabilitation process has required significant effort as she continues to regain abilities affected by the traumatic brain injury and other injuries suffered in the crash.
Those supporting McNamara have described her determination throughout the process, emphasizing the effort she puts into each therapy session.
Her family has remained closely involved throughout the journey, from the earliest stages of emergency treatment through intensive care and rehabilitation.
Emily McNamara Returned Home in July
On July 6, McNamara was transferred from Spaulding to her family’s home in New Hampshire.
Her return home marked an important milestone, but it did not mean that her recovery was complete.
She continues to require medical and rehabilitation support, including outpatient treatment, nursing and therapy services.
Her care also involves daily supplies, specialized equipment and transportation.
Because recovery from a traumatic brain injury can be lengthy and unpredictable, her family continues to face substantial responsibilities as they help her through the next stage.
Nearly Two Decades in Women’s Ice Hockey
Before the accident, McNamara had established herself as a respected figure in women’s ice hockey.
She has coached at both Middlebury College and Hamilton College, dedicating much of her professional life to developing and supporting athletes.
Those who know her describe her as passionate and competitive while also emphasizing her commitment to players away from the rink.
Her influence has extended beyond practices and games. Former and current players, opponents, colleagues and members of the college communities have all become part of the network of people supporting her recovery.
More Than a Coach
For those close to McNamara, her identity extends well beyond hockey.
She is remembered as a loyal friend and teammate as well as a beloved daughter, sister and aunt.
She is married to Dave Campbell, the Middlebury men’s lacrosse coach, adding another connection to the Middlebury athletic community.
Friends and supporters have described Mac as tough, determined, genuine, thoughtful, funny and kind.
Those qualities have become particularly meaningful during her recovery.
Hockey Community Rallies Around Mac
A fundraising campaign has been organized with McNamara’s family to help address the significant financial demands associated with her ongoing recovery.
Support has come from people connected to the many different communities she has been part of throughout her career.
Former players, current players, friends, family members, coaches, opponents and members of both Middlebury and Hamilton have joined in supporting her.
The fundraising effort is intended to help cover expenses related to medical care, rehabilitation, equipment and other costs associated with her recovery.
The support also gives McNamara’s loved ones an opportunity to concentrate more fully on her care rather than the financial pressure created by a prolonged medical journey.
Previous Fundraising Support Also Continues
McNamara’s supporters have also acknowledged an earlier fundraising campaign organized by Sam Walther, a Hamilton College graduate.
Funds raised through that effort continue to assist with medical bills and other expenses resulting from McNamara’s injuries and care.
The continued support demonstrates how widely the accident has affected people who have crossed paths with McNamara during her life and coaching career.
The Road Ahead for Emily McNamara
McNamara’s recovery remains ongoing.
A traumatic brain injury can require an extended rehabilitation period, and progress can vary from one stage to another.
For now, her family and supporters remain focused on ensuring that she has access to the care, therapy, equipment and assistance she needs.
Her journey is no longer simply a story about a devastating accident. It has also become a story about determination, family support and a community coming together for someone who spent years investing in others.
Emily McNamara’s coaching career gave her relationships across women’s hockey that now stretch far beyond the rink.
Those relationships have become an important source of support as Mac continues working toward the best possible recovery following the March collision.
Disclaimer
This article is based on information concerning Emily McNamara’s March 20, 2026, accident and subsequent recovery. The injuries, medical treatment and rehabilitation details described are based on the information available at the time of writing. Recovery from traumatic brain injury can vary considerably, and no specific future medical outcome is being predicted. Fundraising and medical-care details may change as McNamara’s recovery continues.