Kieger Named Head WBB Coach at Marquette
MILWAUKEE, Wisc. – Miami Hurricanes assistant women’s basketball coach Carolyn Kieger has been named the head women’s basketball coach at Marquette University, it was announced Thursday.
“Today is an important day for me as I head back to my alma mater,” Kieger said. “However, it is bittersweet because I will be departing my Miami family. Coach Katie Meier, the administration, staff, and players mean so much to me. They have helped form me into the person I am today and prepared me for this next opportunity.”
A 2006 graduate of Marquette, Kieger has spent the last five seasons as an assistant coach on Meier’s staff that led the Hurricanes to five straight postseason appearances. At Miami, Kieger’s primary responsibilities have been in guard development, where she has helped guide three Miami guards to All-ACC honors.
“I would like to thank Coach Meier for being the best boss, mentor and friend an assistant could ask for,” Kieger said. “She has impacted my life in so many ways. She will forever be someone I admire and strive to resemble. Thank you to the administration for seven years of support and guidance. And of course, thanks to the staff and players. They will always have a special place in my heart.”
Under Kieger’s tutelage came the rise of one of the most dynamic backcourts in the country: Shenise Johnson and Riquna Williams. In 2010-11, Johnson was named an All-American and the ACC’s Player of the Year, while Riquna earned All-ACC recognition.
“Carolyn Kieger is an exceptional person with an extraordinary ability to get the most out of everyone she coaches,” Meier said. “Marquette has made an amazing hire. Carolyn leads with integrity and her value system permeates all of her decisions. She was an integral part of our success here at Miami, and her impact on this program was immense.
“I am grateful for the time I had with her here at Miami, and know she is more than ready to lead Marquette. Her fire and passion for her alma mater is 100% authentic and it will resonate within the University community. I couldn’t be more proud of her and am so happy she is pursuing her dream.”
Before her role as assistant coach at Miami, Kieger held the director of operations position at her alma mater. In the 2006-07 season, Kieger spent one season at Miami as the Hurricanes’ coordinator of basketball operations.
As a player at Marquette, Kieger was a four-year starter and currently stands as Marquette’s all-time assists leader. She is the only player in program history with at least 1,200 career points, 400 career rebounds and 600 assists. For her career, Kieger averaged 10.3 points per game and was a second team All-BIG EAST selection for the 2005-06 season, as well as a second team All-Conference USA selection for the 2003-04 and 2004-05 seasons.
Kieger graduated from Marquette University with a bachelor’s degree in broadcasting and electrical communications in 2006. In 2007, she received the McCahill Award given to a MU graduated senior student-athlete who demonstrated the highest performance in scholarship, leadership and athletics.
For more information on the women’s basketball program, follow @MiamiWBB on Twitter and Instagram.
