After six years of leading the Lady Digger basketball team, Kerie DePell is stepping off Kelvin Sampson Court. Montana Tech Athletic Director Charles Bradley announced the resignation of the head women’s basketball coach.
"I have really enjoyed my years living here in Butte and working at Montana Tech," said DePell.
DePell is moving back to her home state of Washington. Originally from Mount Vernon near Seattle, DePell’s husband Bill recently received a transfer with FedEx to Spokane. Their third child was born this past winter.
"It’s certainly bittersweet to leave, but I’m excited to get back to my home state, get my kids back around our extended family and just concentrate on being the best mom I can be. I am so proud to tell my three kids that they were born in Butte, America, and this community will hold a special place in my heart forever."
DePell first came to Butte as an assistant coach and was promoted to head coach after Brian Holsinger left the Orediggers. During that time, she amassed an 83-88 overall record. DePell took the Lady Diggers to back-to-back national championship tournaments appearances; the only appearances in school history. DePell received the Frontier Conference NAIA Coach of Character Award the last two years.
"I want to thank especially former Chancellor Frank Gilmore and Vice Chancellor Joe McClafferty for taking a chance on a young assistant coach and hiring me six years ago to run the program. I have had so much help along the way; there are too many to even begin to list. I am thankful and blessed to have been a part of Tech athletics for the last eight years. I will really miss my co-workers on campus, my players, and the friends and supporters I’ve come to know in the community."
"I want to thank Coach DePell for her commitment to Oredigger Athletics the past 6 years," said Chancellor Don Blackketter. "Kerie elevated our women’s basketball program to new heights and was a great role model for our student-athletes. I wish Kerie and Bill much success as they enjoy being close to family in Spokane."
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