Grand Valley State head women’s basketball coach Mike Williams announced the hiring of Kara Carlson as an assistant coach on the staff. Carlson will join Williams and Associate head coach Phil Sayers on the Lakers’ bench for the 2018-19 season.
“Kara has played basketball at the college level and comes from a basketball family so she has a good understanding of what it takes to be successful at the college level,” said Williams. “She has been able to coach her own team, recruit, assist with practices, and be a part of the everyday operations of a college basketball program. She will be a welcomed addition to the GVSU women’s basketball program!” added Williams.
Carlson most recently finished her first year as a graduate assistant with the women’s basketball program at her alma mater, Concordia-Ann Arbor. She originally started her coaching career at Davenport University following her graduation from CUAA, where she worked as an assistant with both the varsity and junior varsity squads. In addition, Carlson has also worked as a camp instructor at both Michigan State University and the University of Michigan.
“I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to continue my coaching career at Grand Valley State,” said Carlson. “The women’s basketball program and athletic department, along with the whole university, hold a high standard of excellence in all that they do. I am excited to be part of GVSU and to coach with Coach Williams and Coach Sayers.”
Carlson brings four years of collegiate playing experience with her as well, having played for the Cardinals from 2012-2016. She saw action in 117 games, including 35 starts, scoring 222 points and pulling down 184 rebounds. During her freshman season she helped the Cardinals capture a piece of the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) regular season title after the team went 20-2 in conference play.
Carlson earned her bachelor’s degree from Concordia in Family Life Education in 2016.
The Lakers will open their season on Friday, Nov. 9 when they host Maryville inside GVSU Fieldhouse Arena. The time for that game is still to be determined.
Tagged with: Assistant Coach DII
