University of Minnesota Athletics
Kristen Kelsay Hired as Associate Head Coach
12/30/2022 12:25:00 PM | Volleyball
The former NU and MSU assistant has seven years of B1G coaching experience
MINNEAPOLIS -- Kristen Kelsay has been hired as the associate head coach for Minnesota volleyball, joining the staff of first year head coach Keegan Cook.
Kelsay has seven years of experience as an assistant coach in the Big Ten, including four with Michigan State (2015-18) and three with Northwestern (2019-21).
"I want to thank Director of Athletics Mark Coyle, Deputy Athletic Director Julie Manning and Head Coach Keegan Cook for this incredible opportunity to join the Minnesota volleyball program," said Kelsay. "I cannot wait to get on campus and begin forming relationships with the team, staff and recruits."
In 2022, she worked as the recruiting coordinator and associate director of Volleyball Club Nebraska. Here, she served as the lead coach and coached both the U16 and U18 Elite teams. During her time at VCN, she assisted with the USA National Team Development Program, working with the U15/U16 age group.
Prior to her time in Nebraska, Kelsay served for three years as assistant coach at Northwestern from 2019-21. She helped the Wildcats win 14 games in 2019, finishing on a 4-2 run in Big Ten play, including a five-set upset over then No. 17 Illinois. The victory was NU's first over Illinois since 2014. After a COVID-shortened spring 2021 season, Kelsay paved the way for the future of Northwestern volleyball, helping to sign a top-15 2022 recruiting class in the fall of 2021.
In her final season in Evanston, Northwestern won 12 matches, including seven in Big Ten play. Setter Alexa Rosseau ranked in the top-10 in the Big Ten in assists per set (9.52) under the guidance of Kelsay.
"There's nothing more important to the immediate and long-term success of the Gopher volleyball program than the integrity and the competitive drive of the coaches and student-athletes who join our program," said head coach Keegan Cook. "It was clear throughout the search process that Kristen Kelsay is the exact person we were looking for to help lead our program."
Before NU, Kelsay coached for four years as an assistant coach at Michigan State under head coach Cathy George. In addition to her coaching responsibilities, Kelsay also served as the program's academic liaison and recruiting coordinator.
Helping the team finish with a four-year record of 85-48, Kelsay helped the Spartans reach the 2017 Elite Eight, their first regional finals appearance since 1996. She was voted a "Thirty Under 30" AVCA award honoree and specialized with the MSU setters. She also worked with Michigan State's all-time assist leader and two time All-American, Rachel Minarick.
"There's no question our student-athletes will immediately benefit from her leadership and commitment to their development, both individually and collectively," said Cook. "Her experiences as an athlete and coach as well her institutional knowledge of the Big Ten and surrounding recruiting landscape are invaluable."
Prior to her time on staff at MSU, she played for the Spartans, serving as a team captain for three years. During her time as a student-athlete, she appeared in 133 career matches. She received CoSIDA Academic All-America honors, a three-time Academic All-Big Ten nominee and a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar. In her career, MSU finished with an overall record of 85-50 and made two NCAA Sweet 16 appearances.
Originally from Wheaton, Ill., Kelsay attended St. Francis High School, where she was a First Team All-State selection in 2009. Her father, Bruce, played for the Golden Gophers' football team from 1975-77.
"It is an honor and a privilege to join the Gopher family and compete in the Big Ten. I am thrilled for the opportunity to work alongside Keegan to build upon the tradition and success of Minnesota volleyball," said Kelsay.
Kelsay has seven years of experience as an assistant coach in the Big Ten, including four with Michigan State (2015-18) and three with Northwestern (2019-21).
"I want to thank Director of Athletics Mark Coyle, Deputy Athletic Director Julie Manning and Head Coach Keegan Cook for this incredible opportunity to join the Minnesota volleyball program," said Kelsay. "I cannot wait to get on campus and begin forming relationships with the team, staff and recruits."
In 2022, she worked as the recruiting coordinator and associate director of Volleyball Club Nebraska. Here, she served as the lead coach and coached both the U16 and U18 Elite teams. During her time at VCN, she assisted with the USA National Team Development Program, working with the U15/U16 age group.
Prior to her time in Nebraska, Kelsay served for three years as assistant coach at Northwestern from 2019-21. She helped the Wildcats win 14 games in 2019, finishing on a 4-2 run in Big Ten play, including a five-set upset over then No. 17 Illinois. The victory was NU's first over Illinois since 2014. After a COVID-shortened spring 2021 season, Kelsay paved the way for the future of Northwestern volleyball, helping to sign a top-15 2022 recruiting class in the fall of 2021.
In her final season in Evanston, Northwestern won 12 matches, including seven in Big Ten play. Setter Alexa Rosseau ranked in the top-10 in the Big Ten in assists per set (9.52) under the guidance of Kelsay.
"There's nothing more important to the immediate and long-term success of the Gopher volleyball program than the integrity and the competitive drive of the coaches and student-athletes who join our program," said head coach Keegan Cook. "It was clear throughout the search process that Kristen Kelsay is the exact person we were looking for to help lead our program."
Before NU, Kelsay coached for four years as an assistant coach at Michigan State under head coach Cathy George. In addition to her coaching responsibilities, Kelsay also served as the program's academic liaison and recruiting coordinator.
Helping the team finish with a four-year record of 85-48, Kelsay helped the Spartans reach the 2017 Elite Eight, their first regional finals appearance since 1996. She was voted a "Thirty Under 30" AVCA award honoree and specialized with the MSU setters. She also worked with Michigan State's all-time assist leader and two time All-American, Rachel Minarick.
"There's no question our student-athletes will immediately benefit from her leadership and commitment to their development, both individually and collectively," said Cook. "Her experiences as an athlete and coach as well her institutional knowledge of the Big Ten and surrounding recruiting landscape are invaluable."
Prior to her time on staff at MSU, she played for the Spartans, serving as a team captain for three years. During her time as a student-athlete, she appeared in 133 career matches. She received CoSIDA Academic All-America honors, a three-time Academic All-Big Ten nominee and a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar. In her career, MSU finished with an overall record of 85-50 and made two NCAA Sweet 16 appearances.
Originally from Wheaton, Ill., Kelsay attended St. Francis High School, where she was a First Team All-State selection in 2009. Her father, Bruce, played for the Golden Gophers' football team from 1975-77.
"It is an honor and a privilege to join the Gopher family and compete in the Big Ten. I am thrilled for the opportunity to work alongside Keegan to build upon the tradition and success of Minnesota volleyball," said Kelsay.
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