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April 30, 2012

Krusemark named West girls basketball coach

By Chad Courrier Free Press Staff Writer

MANKATO — When Kristin Krusemark, then Kristin Kachelmyer, was a standout athlete at Mankato East, games against Mankato West were always intense.

But over the last 11 years of college, teaching and coaching, she’s lost a little bit of that edge. On Monday, Krusemark was named the girls basketball coach at West, where she’s been  the assistant the last two seasons.

“I can’t say that (coaching at West) was ever in my vision back then,” Krusemark said. “But I’ve always wanted to be a head coach, and working with these girls the last two years has made it   easier.

“I still have a lot of East pride, but I think it’s great if we can have both basketball programs get stronger.”

Krusemark, who was voted into the East Hall of Fame in 2007, succeeds Dianne Johns, who resigned after last season. Krusemark, who coached softball for two years at Waconia, has been an assistant at West for the last two seasons.

“She was a three-sport athlete in high school, and she had experience at a great place like Gustavus in balancing basketball and getting her degree,” West activities director Ken Essay said. “She’s an East graduate who understands the community, and she has head-coaching experience.

“She has the ability to build relationships with the kids.”

Following successful volleyball, basketball and softball careers at East, Krusemark was a standout on the basketball team at Gustavus Adolphus from 2001-05.

She ranks 12th in program history with 938 points, eighth with 610 rebounds and 13th with 157 steals.

She played in 107 games, second-most in program history.

Krusemark, who is a fifth-grade teacher at Franklin Elementary School, said she wants to focus her program more on defense, which is a lot like the way she played.

“I think you build offense from your defense,” she said. “I really loved stopping another player. I really loved to dish the ball out to my teammates. I like the fullcourt, fast-paced game.

“I’m very excited that I get to work with these girls. There’s a lot of talent in the program, and I look forward to moving the program in a positive direction.”

Krusemark said she’ll meet soon with Essay to form her coaching staff.

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