story courtesy of Jeff Weseloh, Director of Athletics Media Relations, SBU
Southwest Baptist University announced today the hiring of SBU women’s basketball assistant coach Kelsey Keizer. She was introduced as the 14th head coach of women’s basketball today at 2:30 p.m. at the Jane and Ken Meyer Wellness Center.
“I am very, very excited to announce that Kelsey Keizer will be our head women’s basketball coach,” SBU Director of Athletics Mike Pitts stated. “Coach Keizer was an important part of the chemistry of last year’s successful team. She brings strong relational, tactical, and organization skills into the leadership role. She knows the game and is an outstanding recruiter. Coach Keizer understands the importance of giving our student-athletes an opportunity to succeed in all of the important ways. I have no doubt that we have some great seasons ahead of us.”
Kelsey Keizer will be entering her 4th year as a basketball coach. Coach Keizer has spent the last three seasons as the assistant coach at Southwest Baptist. Coach Keizer played collegiate basketball at Drake University, earning multiple awards including the MVC President’s Council Academic Award and MVC Commissioner’s Academic Excellence Award. After leaving Drake, Coach Keizer moved to Prague, Czech Republic and played professional basketball for Sparta Prague for two seasons. While playing professional basketball in the Czech Republic, Keizer also worked for Athletes in Action, an organization that shares the gospel of Jesus Christ through the platform of sports all around the world.
“After a very comprehensive national search, our assistant coach Kelsey Keizer emerged as the leading candidate. There are many reasons why she became our leading candidate. One of the most important reasons is the type of team we have right now and she has been a major part in building that team. We have great players and great young ladies on our team. It is the kind of team that I want representing our University. We are happy where we are, so therefore it is clear to me that she is our best choice. I’d also like to say thank you to the search committee and their diligent work. We look forward to many great years with Coach Keizer at the helm of our women’s basketball program,” said SBU President, Dr. C. Pat Taylor.
“I could not be more excited to be named the Head Coach of the SBU Women’s Basketball team,” Coach Keizer commented. “I am very appreciative to President Taylor and Mike Pitts for this opportunity. I believe in the mission of this university and I believe in the bright future of our women’s basketball program. I have been extremely proud of the progress of this team over the past three seasons and I look forward to leading our program to continued success.”
What others are saying about Kelsey Keizer
“SBU has made a great hire in Kelsey Keizer. She is a bright young rising star in the coaching ranks. We need more female coaches who stand for all that’s right & good in coaching at the collegiate level. Kelsey will be a tireless worker and grow the women’s basketball program at SBU.”
-Amy Stephens, Memphis Associate Women’s Basketball Coach
“SBU has made their program better by making the “right” choice. Kelsey is a young, enthusiastic coach with outstanding credentials and experiences as assistant coach, professional basketball player, and Drake standout player. Her bright optimism will help their program continue their path to the top of the MIAA.”
-Dave Slifer, Central Missouri Head Women’s Basketball Coach
“SBU Women’s Basketball has a very bright future under the leadership and guidance of Kelsey Keizer. Kelsey has a great basketball mind, is diligent recruiter, and a tireless worker but above all she is wonderful person. I know Kelsey will have a lasting impact on the student-athletes in her program and I wish her the very best.”
-Emilee Thiesse, Minnesota State Head Women’s Basketball Coach
“Kelsey’s greatest asset is her unmatched character and work ethic. From the day I met her when she was in high school until now, I’ve had the opportunity to see her grow into a great coach and mentor and I’m confident she will excel as a head coach.”
-Linda Lappe, Colorado Head Women’s Basketball Coach
