After one year in his role as the assistant coach for the Concordia University women’s basketball team, Kiefer Haffey has been elevated to head coach effective immediately. Kiefer’s promotion comes on the heels of Thad Sankey’s recent departure to the University of Jamestown (Jamestown, North Dakota) where he will take over the women’s basketball program.
“I am honored to be given the opportunity to continue leading the young women in our program,” said Haffey. “We have high character student athletes that have been a joy to work with during my time here as an assistant. I am excited and eager to have an opportunity to further their development as athletes and young women.”
Haffey will continue to leave his imprint on a program that finished the 17-18 campaign with a 22-14 mark, and an NCCAA National Championship runner-up. The team received votes in four of the six regular season NAIA Coaches’ Top 25 polls, as well as the post-season poll. The program was recently recognized by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association and the NAIA for a having a cumulative GPA of 3.44 this past season.
Haffey believes the assistantship under Coach Sankey prepared him for this position and will allow for a smooth transition for the program. “Being able to work with Coach Sankey has been a blessing in my life,” said Haffey. “Watching him as a role model with our players, his own children, and as a mentor to our staff – it has been instrumental in my development as a young coach. Someone who was process-driven, consistent with his daily approach, and had a great temperament for young-adult athletes was great for me to experience.”
Cardinals Director of Athletics Lonnie Pries credits Haffey’s contributions to the program in his short time here as a key factor in this decision. “Kiefer has done a tremendous job working with our student-athletes since he arrived at Concordia,” said Pries. “He is very committed to skill and character development.”
Prior to joining Sankey’s staff last season, Haffey served as a student manager with the men’s basketball team at Wayne State University. Under Warriors Head Coach David Greer, Haffey served in a multitude of roles while focusing primarily on player development, academic progress, travel operations, and film.
Haffey’s extensive footprint within the southeast Michigan region has led him to coaching stints with Michigan Storm Elite AAU Basketball Program, Robichaud High School girls varsity basketball team, and as a women’s basketball scout for the Lady Ballers Insider. Haffey recently served as the Facility and Technology Operations Director at Game on Sports Center in Taylor, Michigan.
Photo Courtesy Concordia Athletics
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