The University of Nebraska at Kearney has hired former Hastings College head coach Carrie Hofstetter as its head women’s basketball coach, UNK announced today.

UNK will formally introduce Hofstetter as its seventh coach in program history at 10 a.m. Wednesday. The press conference will be hosted on the floor of the Health and Sports Center.

"I am extremely honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead the UNK Women’s Basketball program. Throughout the entire process, it has been evident to me that UNK is committed to success and excellence and I couldn’t be more thrilled to join the Loper family," said Hofstetter.

She is a native of Edgar, Neb., and graduate of Sandy Creek High School and Hastings College. Whether as a player, assistant coach or head coach, Hofstetter has been a part of not only winning programs but ones that contended for championships on an annual basis.

She has a career coaching record of 68-31 in leading the Broncos program the past three seasons. Hastings won 25 and 28 games, respectively, the past two years, reaching the NAIA Division II Tournament national quarterfinals in 2014 and the semifinals this season.

Hofstetter was the head assistant coach at Hastings for four seasons (2004-08) before holding the same position at Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association-member Fort Hays State from 2008-12.

As a collegiate player, Hofstetter was one of the Broncos all-time best players, powering Hastings to four national tournament appearances and 2002 and 2003 national titles. The point guard set school records for career assists and career steals while earning 2004 first-team All-American honors.

At Sandy Creek, she was a part of a 95-game winning streak and four Class C-1 state titles.

UNK Director of Athletics Dr. Paul Plinske chose Hofstetter following a nationwide search. She begins her new position immediately and replaces Kevin Chaney, who directed the program for five years.

"Over 130 highly qualified applicants submitted their names for the position of head women’s basketball coach at the University of Nebraska Kearney. One surfaced as the perfect fit for Loper Athletics," said Plinske. "Carrie Hofstetter brings an incredible record of success to Kearney. Her ties to Nebraska, coaching experience in the MIAA and her stellar performance as a head coach at Hastings College make me tremendously excited to introduce her as the seventh head coach in our history."

As an assistant at Fort Hays, Hofstetter was part of a program that had just joined the MIAA. The Tigers won 59 games in her time assisting head coach Tony Hobson, including a 20-9 mark during the 2011-12 season. Hofstetter also played and worked for Hobson at Hastings College.

"What is especially appealing to me is that she knows how to create a winning culture that is founded on strong family values. She is a super addition to the Loper family and I can’t wait to watch her work the sidelines in the Health and Sports Center," said Plinske.

Since 1968, the UNK women’s basketball program has had 20-win seasons 16 times, made 14 National Tournament appearances and won eight regular season conference titles.

UNK WOMEN’S HEAD BASKETBALL COACHES – MODERN ERA

Connie Hansen (1968-82)

Dan Wurtz (1982-93)

Joe Sanchez (1993-94)

Amy Stephens (1994-02)

Carol Russell (2002-10)

Kevin Chaney (2010-15)

Carrie Hofstetter (2015)

GETTING TO KNOW CARRIE HOFSTETTER

Coaching Experience

– Hastings College, Head Coach (2012-15)

– Fort Hays State University, Head Assistant Coach (2008-12)

– Hastings College, Head Assistant Coach (2004-08)

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Hastings College (2004); Bachelor of Arts in Health Promotion Management, Hastings College (2004); Master of Science in Health and Human Performance, Fort Hays State University (2013).

Playing Experience: All-American point guard at Hastings College, leading the Broncos to four straight NAIA Division II national tournament appearances … part of three Final Four teams including the 2002 and 2003 national championship squads … three-time team captain, two-time All-GPAC (Great Plains Athletic Conference) selection and a two-time GPAC Defensive P.O.Y. … won 2002 NAIA National Tourney Hustle Award … in 2004, won NAIA Champions of Character Award and named the FCA Central Nebraska A.O.Y. … holds school records for assistants and steals in a career …inducted into the Hastings College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010

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