Categories: College University Athletics

Kristen Kelsay Named New Head Coach of MSU Volleyball

The volleyball court at MSU, where the new head coach will lead the team.

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News Summary

Michigan State University announces Kristen Kelsay as the new head coach of the women’s volleyball program. A former Spartan player, Kelsay aims to revitalize the team after a challenging few seasons. Her coaching experience includes successful stints at Minnesota and Michigan State. With a strong commitment and strategic vision, Kelsay is set to lead the Spartans into a promising future, fostering talent and building a competitive program.

Exciting Times Ahead for MSU Volleyball: Kristen Kelsay Takes the Helm

East Lansing is buzzing with excitement as the Michigan State women’s volleyball program officially welcomes Kristen Kelsay as its new head coach. The announcement, made this past Sunday by Michigan State University (MSU), sets the stage for an exciting new chapter for both Kelsay and the Spartans.

Moving On Up

Kelsay takes over from Leah Johnson, who has stepped down after three seasons with the team. During her tenure, the Spartans had an overall record of 43 wins and 50 losses, with only 19 wins in the challenging Big Ten conference. Now, Kelsay will look to turn the tide as she brings her own brand of coaching to the court.

Back to Her Roots

What makes Kelsay’s appointment even more special is her deep-rooted connection to the university. A proud alumna, she played for the Spartans from 2010 to 2013, serving as team captain and racking up an impressive record. With over 3,000 career assists, she stands amongst the all-time assist leaders in the program and ranks fourth in sets played, with an astonishing 473 career sets. It’s safe to say she knows what it means to wear that green and white jersey!

Coaching Credentials

Before her latest position at MSU, Kelsay spent two seasons as the *associate head coach* at the University of Minnesota, where she helped the team achieve a record of 22-10 in the 2023 season. This success led Minnesota to its impressive 10th consecutive NCAA tournament appearance. Kelsay’s prior coaching roles include time at Northwestern University and, of course, a successful stint as an assistant coach at Michigan State, where she helped lead the Spartans to an admirable record of 85 wins and 48 losses.

The Future Looks Bright

The excitement around Kelsay’s return extends beyond her past success as a player and a coach. Alan Haller, the MSU Athletic Director, has expressed enthusiasm about Kelsay taking charge. It’s not just about wins and losses; it’s about her connections and relationships within volleyball clubs across Michigan and neighboring states, which is crucial for recruitment and building a strong program.

Onward and Upward

Kelsay’s ambitious five-year contract comes with a base salary of $240,000, plus a supplemental $60,000, reflecting the university’s commitment to nurturing a successful program. As the eighth head coach in Spartan volleyball history, Kelsay is gearing up to instill her team-first philosophy, work ethic, and volleyball IQ to elevate the program.

Anticipation Builds

What’s next for Kelsay and the Spartans? An introductory press conference is set to take place in early January, where fans and supporters will have the chance to meet their new coach. Kelsay has expressed her heartfelt gratitude for this opportunity, reinforcing her love for Michigan State and her eagerness to engage with both the team and the fanbase.

The Road Ahead

While the Spartans haven’t reached the NCAA tournament since their Elite Eight run in 2017, there is a renewed sense of hope with Kelsay at the helm. Fans and players alike are filled with excitement and anticipation for the coming seasons. With her passion for the game and strong connections within the volleyball community, Kelsay is ready to lead Michigan State into a promising future.