Mike Hastings became the sixth Wisconsin men’s hockey coach of the modern era (since 1962) on March 30, 2023.
In his first season behind the Badgers’ bench and 26th overall as a head coach, Hastings continued his remarkable level of consistent excellence, directing his teams to their 26th consecutive winning season. That record includes his last 11 seasons at Minnesota State, where he directed the Mavericks to eight NCAA tournament appearances (2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023), a pair of Frozen Fours (2021, 2022) and the NCAA title game (2022). The COVID-19 pandemic prevented a ninth NCAA appearance in 2020. The winning also spans 14 seasons as head coach of the USHL’s Omaha Lancers.
In the 2023-24 season at Wisconsin, Hastings engineered a 13-win improvement for the Badgers, as well as an NCAA tournament berth. He also had the Badgers in position for a possible Big Ten regular-season title until the last weekend of the season.
Hastings helped coach Kyle McClellan to UW’s first Mike Richter Award as national goaltender of the year. McClellan also became UW’s first All-American under the coach.
UW’s bench boss ranks second among active NCAA coaches and fifth all-time with a .692 winning percentage entering the 2025-26 season (338-140-30).
A three-time Spencer Penrose Award winner as NCAA coach of the year, his Mavericks captured eight conference regular-season championships during his 11 seasons behind the bench to help him earn league coach of the year five times while at MSU.
In March 2019, Jean Ann discovered a lump and was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. She received treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where she was introduced to the American Cancer Society through a partnership that supports newly diagnosed patients. Jean Ann was deeply touched by the care provided – from lodging, meals, and transportation to coping seminars, educational resources, handmade beanie hats, and support groups for patients and families. Many in her group had traveled from out of state, and she quickly realized how life-changing these services can be. During this time, Jean Ann not only leaned on ACS for support as a patient, but also for guidance as a caregiver.
While undergoing radiation, Jean Ann’s mother, Terese, was diagnosed with colon cancer. Jean Ann and her sisters cared for their mother through hospice, relying on the American Cancer Society for direction and resources as they navigated end-of-life care. Terese passed away three months later, marking a period in Jean Ann’s life where she was facing cancer both personally and as a caregiver, an experience that deepened her understanding of the impact comprehensive support can have on families.
Jean Ann participated in three clinical trials, some funded by the American Cancer Society, and recently enrolled in a cardiovascular disease trial through Mayo. Her passion for research is personal: she learned that a breast cancer drug that saved her life, Taxol, was the same medication studied years earlier by Jackie Blais, wife of retired hockey coach Dean Blais. This connection reinforced Jean Ann’s belief that participating in research truly helps others.
Jean Ann’s treatment included chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, radiation, and reconstruction. After surgery, she was told her risk of recurrence would significantly decrease after five years, and she is grateful to share that she has now surpassed that milestone.
Jean Ann knows she is fortunate. During her journey, she formed a friendship with another woman undergoing treatment for the same cancer at nearly the same time. While her friend did not survive, their bond left a lasting impression and deepened Jean Ann’s commitment to supporting others facing cancer.
In 2021, Jean Ann and six high school friends completed the 60-mile Susan G. Komen Walk in San Diego, an experience she describes as both meaningful and unforgettable.
Jean Ann volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House and with Y-A-D-A, an organization supporting local women who have been sexually trafficked and/or exploited.
She and her husband, Mike, have two adult children, Hannah and Hudson. Jean Ann finds joy in the outdoors, creating art, sunset pontoon rides with family and friends, time with their golden retriever, Betty, and cheering on Badger Hockey.
D.J. Carstensen is a veteran NCAA Division I basketball official with 28 years of experience and more than 1,600 games officiated at the highest collegiate level. Throughout his career, he has been selected for 21 NCAA Tournaments, including 11 Regional assignments, and has officiated 16 conference championship games. D.J. played collegiate basketball at Utica College under former Milwaukee Bucks head coach Larry Costello.
A 2025 Coaches vs. Cancer Champions Award winner, D.J.’s commitment to the cause is both professional and deeply personal. In March of 2024, his daughter, Camryn, was diagnosed with an oligodendroglioma brain tumor. Following surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Camryn continues her care and follow-up at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and is currently undergoing treatment. Walking alongside his daughter through diagnosis and treatment has given D.J. a profound, firsthand understanding of the importance of research, access to world-class care, and the support systems that surround patients and families.
Through Coaches vs. Cancer, D.J. has seen the powerful way the athletic and business communities unite to fund lifesaving research and advance hope. Inspired by Camryn’s strength and the care she has received, D.J. remains deeply committed to supporting efforts that drive progress – knowing how far we’ve come, and how much work still remains for every family counting on a cure.
COACHES VS. CANCER leverages the personal experiences, community leadership, and professional excellence of basketball coaches nationwide to increase cancer awareness and promote healthy living through year-round awareness efforts, fundraising activities, and advocacy programs. Coaches vs. Cancer provides critical mission outreach, while raising funds in support of the Society’s lifesaving cancer research, education, advocacy, and community service efforts.
Coaches vs. Cancer evolved from a concept championed by Norm Stewart, former head coach of the University of Missouri’s men’s basketball program, a cancer survivor, and member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches. He started the program by challenging fans to pledge a dollar amount for every three points made by his team during the season.
The American Cancer Society is the leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. We are the only organization improving the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.
