Southwest Minnesota State University head women’s basketball coach Allison Kruger announced her resignation today after serving six seasons as head coach. Kruger will continue to serve in her role as assistant professor through the end of the academic year.
SMSU Director of Athletics Chris Hmielewski announced that a national search for a permanent head coach would begin immediately. Hmielewski also stated that SMSU assistant coach, Abby Oakland, would serve as the team’s interim head coach to manage the day-to-day operations until a new head coach is named.
“I would like to thank Allison for her dedication and commitment to the University, Department of Athletics and our women’s basketball program,” Hmielewski said. “Allison brought great energy and leadership to our department and the Mustang women’s basketball program every day. We wish Allison the best of luck as she moves forward in her professional career.”
“I would like to thank Chris Hmielewski for the opportunity to become head coach of the SMSU women’s basketball program,” Kruger said. “Most importantly I want to thank my staff and the players for their dedication and loyalty. The young ladies I have been fortunate to coach are the reason I have continued to dedicate my time and life to this program. I feel proud of how SMSU women’s basketball conducts itself and the progress we have made. Character and integrity are high on my priority list and I feel we have succeeded in that area.”
Kruger named the seventh head coach in program history on April 7, 2010, compiled a record of 29-135 during her six seasons on the sideline.
“The support I have received from my colleagues, the University, and the Marshall Community has been overwhelming and I am truly thankful and blessed to call Marshall home,” Kruger said. “My time at SMSU has been very positive and rewarding and I look forward to pursuing new career opportunities within the Marshall community.”
Prior to her arrival at SMSU, Kruger spent two seasons as assistant coach at NCAA Division I University of South Dakota. Before her tenure at USD, Kruger was an assistant for four seasons at Wayne State College. During her time at WSC, the Wildcats compiled a record of 88-35, which included two appearances in the NCAA tournament, one NSIC regular championship and one NSIC tournament championship.
“SMSU and the Department of Athletics are committed to the continual growth of the Mustang women’s basketball program. We would like our student-athletes to thrive and be successful in all aspects of their collegiate experience at SMSU,” Hmielewski said. “We will work hard to hire a new head coach that will build the success and competitiveness of SMSU women’s basketball by strengthening our commitment to academics and the community, creating an environment that promotes and develops leaders on and off the court and by building a team culture and identity that re-establishes a winning tradition within the NSIC and NCAA Division II women’s basketball.”
SMSU finished 5-24 overall and 3-19 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference this past season.
Photo Courtesy SMSU Athletics
Tagged with: DII NSIC SMSU
