After 11 years as the head of the Northwest University Women’s Basketball program, Ken Crawford has resigned. He will be moving closer to home and will pursue future coaching opportunities.

“I want to thank Ken for everything he has done for Northwest University and our women’s basketball program over his 11 years as head coach,” said NU Athletic Director Gary McIntosh. “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Ken and seeing the positive impact he has had on the university and our community.”

Crawford finishes with the best winning percentage among all NU women’s basketball coaches and a 129-177 overall record. He has led his team to three straight Cascade Collegiate Conference Team Sportsmanship Awards, produced 42 Cascade Collegiate Conference Academic All-Conference honorees, and seen 25 NAIA Scholar Athletes over the 11 years.

“I have found a second home here at NU for the past five years, and I have Coach Crawford to thank for that,” said grad student Maya DuChesne. “Not only was he a major factor in my decision to commit here, but I have made a forever friend. Every time I ask Coach to help with something, he drops everything else to do so, whether it be a personal issue or an unwanted hitch in my shot. He helped me grow in numerous areas. There is nothing better than having your sport be your safe space, and Coach made the NU women’s basketball program that space for me. Coach’s contact will stay in my phone’s favorites list as I continue to seek guidance from him while maneuvering through my own life. I will be forever grateful for the academic and athletic opportunities Coach Crawford provided me with.”

The Eagles have seen seven First Team All-Conference honors, eight honorable mentions, one Freshman of the Year, and one Defensive Player of the Year under Crawford.

“I will miss getting to see Ken Crawford coach at Northwest,” said NU President Joseph Castleberry. “His passion for basketball and his love for students were always on display. He is truly a person of integrity and fine character, a winner in every sense of the word.”

Crawford has a long legacy of coaching excellence at the college level. He began his college coaching career at Whatcom Community College where he led the men’s basketball program. He then made his way to Biola University in 2005 to lead the women’s basketball team. He took Biola to three consecutive NAIA Tournaments in the six seasons he was there, and he was honored as the Golden State Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 2011.

At the high school level, Bellingham High School and R.A. Long High School have both inducted Crawford into their Halls of Fame. He has received multiple recognitions for his work on the court, in the classroom as an educator, and on the administrative side as a principal and assistant superintendent.

The search for the next NU Women’s Basketball Head Coach will begin immediately. 

Tagged with: NAIA