Today, Knox College Director of Athletics Daniella Irle announced that Kira Mowen has accepted the role of Knox College Prairie Fire Head Women’s Basketball Coach.
“I am thrilled to announce Coach Mowen as our next head women’s basketball coach. She is committed to providing all players an environment where they feel comfortable, but challenged, to grow as students and as athletes,” said Knox College Director of Athletics, Daniella Irle. “Coach Mowen brings a passion for basketball, and a desire to develop players, to the gym every day. She will help our program be the best version of itself possible. She also appreciates the value of a holistic education and her role in preparing all of her players for their respective futures after their playing days have ended.”
Mowen comes to Knox from Monmouth University in New Jersey. At Monmouth University, Mowen was the associate head coach and recruiting director for the women’s basketball program. Mowen helped lead the program to their best regular season finish in the MAAC, coached a top ten NCAA 3-point scorer, and assisted the program to a NCAA top 50 in scoring defense (35th).
Prior to Monmouth University, Mowen was the assistant women’s basketball coach at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee where she helped guide the Panthers to their best regular season win total in history (20). Before UW-M, Mowen worked as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Davidson College.
Mowen spent her collegiate career playing at the University of Illinois and Youngstown State. As a member of the Fighting Illini, Mowen played under Theresa Grentz, Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame coach, and 1992 Team USA Women’s Basketball Head Coach.
“I would like to thank Daniella Irle, President McGadney, and the search committee for this amazing opportunity. I am extremely humbled to be joining the Knox College community. The support and guidance I felt throughout this process has been tremendous. Every person I spoke with gave me a genuine insight about Knox and what the College represents,” said Mowen.
The 2021 squad has a young core along with an impressive group of junior and senior leaders who played in the MWC tourney in 2020. Only graduating one player from the previous year, Mowen inherits a total of 19 returning players. This team boasts nine juniors and seniors and a sophomore class of seven, each having four years of eligibility remaining. A talented three player incoming class adds depth to a team and rounds out the roster to 19 players. The program is in a great position to compete for a spot in the MWC Tournament.
“Knox stood out as a perfect fit for me, my family, and my coaching philosophy, combining high achieving academics with elite basketball. The young women of the program impressed me throughout the process, and I am eager to begin the work of building the Knox women’s basketball championship tradition with them.” said Mowen.
Mowen earned her Bachelor of Science in Applied Science at Youngstown State University in 2008, and received her Masters of Education at Texas State University in 2010, where she also served as a graduate assistant for the women’s basketball program for two seasons.
Things they are saying:
Landon Steele, WBB HC, Dodge City Community College (KS): “I am super excited for Kira, and the future of Prairie Fire Women’s Basketball Program. Kira is an amazing person who is very passionate and energetic. I know she will impact Knox College athletics and the Galesburg community from Day 1, while continuing to advance the women’s basketball program in the classroom and on the court.”
Jada Pierce, WBB HC, Niagara University (NY): “Congratulations, Knox College on hiring a great person and coach! Coach Mowen cares about all aspects of the student athlete experience. She has always built great relationships with her players and enjoys being part of their maturation. Kira will show her players how to win on and off the court as well as how to lead others on campus. The future is bright for Knox Women’s basketball with Coach Mowen at the helm!”
Michele Savage, former HC, Davidson College (NC): “Kira is an amazing person and a great coach. She will bring a tremendous amount of passion and energy to this program. In addition, she has a competitive spirit that will reflect on her players and the way they play the game. Knox college is very fortunate to have such a young and up and coming professional to lead its women’s basketball program.”
Katy McNay, Sr. Associate Director of Athletics/SWA, Davidson College (NC): “Kira Mowen is a fantastic hire for Knox College. She will do a terrific job. Her incredible work ethic, care for her players and knowledge of the game will help her lead this team to great success. She is a terrific recruiter and has a very high basketball IQ which enables her to be the total package on and off the court. I look forward to following Coach Mowen’s journey and all the success she is bound to have for Knox College.”
Hannah Early, former player, Davidson College (NC): “Knox College has made an excellent hire in naming Kira Mowen as their new women’s basketball coach. As someone who was lucky enough to play for her, I know the passion and knowledge she brings to the game sets her apart. Coach Mowen is an energetic and highly competitive leader and will no doubt build a winning culture at Knox.”
Jen Louro, former player, Monmouth University (NJ): “Knox College is lucky to have someone like Coach Kira Mowen leading their Women’s Basketball program. She is extremely dedicated to the game of basketball and one of the most passionate coaches around. She is always willing to get in the gym and help her players get better! I’m so grateful for all that I’ve learned from her on the court and I wish her nothing but success on her new journey!”
