Kate Achter has been named head women’s basketball coach at Loyola University Chicago, Director of Athletics Steve Watson announced on Tuesday. A native of Oregon, Ohio, the 30 year-old Achter comes to Rogers Park from Xavier University, where she served as an assistant coach and the team’s recruiting coordinator.
“Kate Achter is one of the rising stars in college basketball and we are all thrilled to have her as our new head women’s basketball coach,” Watson said. “During her time both on and off the court, she has experienced nothing but success as a coach and a player. Kate has had the opportunity to work with some of the finest coaches in the business who have prepared her to lead our program and provide an excellent student-athlete experience at a world class institution like Loyola.”
In her one season with the Musketeers, Achter helped lead the team to a 17-13 overall record, the school’s second consecutive winning season in as many years. She directly aided in the development of Briana Glover, who was named an All-BIG EAST Conference selection last March. Apart from her on-court duties, Achter oversaw all areas of recruitment, specifically targeting a handful of states throughout the Midwest, as well as coordinating all on and off-campus recruiting visits.
“I would like to thank Steve Watson for this tremendous opportunity to lead the women’s basketball program,” Achter said. “I couldn’t be more excited to join the Rambler family. Throughout the process, I learned that Loyola was a very special place. The people I met with have great pride for the university, and I can’t wait to share our campus and rich academic tradition with the next generation of Ramblers. The work begins immediately, and I am very proud to represent Loyola in my coaching efforts. Go Ramblers!”
Prior to arriving at Xavier, Achter enjoyed a highly successful five-year stay on the coaching staff at St. Bonaventure, serving as an assistant coach for three seasons before being elevated to the role of associate head coach ahead of the 2013-14 campaign. She helped guide the Bonnies to a trio of postseason berths, highlighted by a trip to the Sweet 16 of the 2012 NCAA Tournament. St. Bonaventure recorded three seasons of 20 or more wins during Achter’s tenure, including a school-record 31 wins in 2011-12.
A 2008 graduate of Bowling Green State University, Achter was a driving force as the Falcons captured four straight Mid-American Conference (MAC) titles and made three appearances in the NCAA Tournament during her playing career, highlighted by a Sweet 16 berth in 2007. The All-American point guard finished her career ranked fifth on the school’s all-time scoring list (1,580) and as the Falcons’ all-time leader in both assists (688) and free throws made (551). Following gradation, Achter played professionally for one season with Palaio Faliro in Athens, Greece before returning to her alma mater as a graduate assistant with its strength and conditioning staff.
What They’re Saying About Kate Achter
Jim Crowley — Head Women’s Basketball Coach — Providence College
“Kate Achter is a great choice for Loyola. Kate’s work ethic, knowledge and determination make her one of the best young coaches I have ever been around. She is a terrific teacher and even better person, who will do special things for Loyola women’s basketball.”
Curt Miller — Head Coach — Connecticut Sun (WNBA)
“Loyola has hit a home run with the hiring of Kate Achter. She is a rising superstar in the coaching profession and will bring an incredible work ethic to their program. She was the leader and engine of our BGSU Championship teams and fully understands the culture behind successful teams. She will not only be a great coach but she will thrive as a role model to her student-athletes while being an excellent ambassador for the University.”
Jim Jabir — Head Women’s Basketball Coach — University of Dayton
“Loyola has made a great hire in Kate Achter. I have known Kate since she was in high school and she is a winner. She will win and win with dignity and class. In Kate Loyola now has a coach who will compete and win the right way. It’s a great day for Loyola women’s basketball.”
Jonathan Tsipis — Head Women’s Basketball Coach — University of Wisconsin
“Loyola University Chicago has made an outstanding hire in Kate Achter as their new women’s basketball coach. I have known Kate since she was a championship player on the court at Bowling Green and had the opportunity to coach against her while at both Notre Dame and George Washington. At St. Bonaventure and Xavier, she has been prepared well to run her own programs. Kate relates well with student-athletes because she cares about their growth on and off the court. Kate is the type of coach I would want my own daughter to play for one day.”
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Photo Courtesy Loyola Athletics
Tagged with: Kate Achter Loyola (Chicago) Missouri Valley Conference
