William Jessup University Athletics invites a new member to the family, former NCAA Division I associate head coach at Valparaiso University in Indiana, Kurt Westendorp to take on the head women's basketball position for the Lady Warriors.
"We feel very fortunate to land a coach of Kurt's caliber to lead our Warrior women's basketball program," said athletic director Lance Von Vogt of new hire. " Kurt brings an infectious passion and commitment to coaching basketball that extends well beyond the basketball court and into all areas of developing the members of his team."
"I would like to thank Coach Von Vogt and Dr. Jackson for putting their trust in me to lead the women's basketball program at Jessup," stated Westendorp. "I am incredibly blessed to have this opportunity. It has been truly incredible how God has lined everything up to bring my family from Indiana to California."
Westendorp, with over 10 years of coaching experience, spent the last four years leading the Crusaders as the associate head women's basketball coach competing against some of the top teams in the NCAA: Notre Dame, Duke, Louisville, Michigan and Illinois. In his first season with Valpo the Lady Crusaders played Big Ten foe Indiana defeating them 64-52.
With experience in all levels of the NCAA, Westendorp spent three seasons at Albion College (NCAA III) as assistant before moving up to Ferris State University (NCAA II) where he assisted for a two year stint before his most recent position. He will be taking on his first head coaching job with the Warriors in the top division of the NAIA.
"Kurt's experience at all levels of NCAA play will undoubtedly give him great perspective to draw from as we compete in the highly competitive GSAC conference," Von Vogt said. " Kurt shares our vision for Jessup Women's Basketball to become a flagship program for the GSAC and the NAIA. It will be a lot of fun watching him grow our program year over year."
Growing up in a basketball family, Westendorp knew coaching was in his blood. He credits his father, Al Westendorp for showing him leadership excellence while coaching him all through high school. One other influential impact was the Drew family; father Homer, and sons Scott and Bryce. Homer was the head coach at Valpo at the time where Westendorp was the men's team manager all through college while working as a practice player for the women's team.
"Through the Drew family I got the opportunity to start coaching," Westendorp reflected. "It has been an incredible journey. You know you can't skip any steps, you have to work your way up to gain experience and I knew I had to start at a lower level."
With each position Westendorp was a part of coaching athletes such as Liz Horton (Germany), Tricia Principe (Germany), Sarah DeShone (Denmark) and Emi Guimond (Portugal) who all went on to play overseas. He also played a key role in recruiting with accomplishments such as having a pair of members recieve 2015 Horizon League All-Freshman Team and a 2014 Horizon League Freshman of the Year.
"Kurt's work ethic is beyond reproach and this will pay huge dividends in our ability to recruit quality student-athletes that will propel our program to the top of the GSAC," said Von Vogt.
Westendorp plans to bring his wealth of knowledge from the past ten years to lead the Lady Warriors to a successful 2015-16 season.
"We really want to build a team that is connected," said Westendorp. "Connected and competitive will go hand-in-hand in creating that family atmosphere that I've had and want to bring here. I look forward to joining this family and working to support the mission of providing a transformational experience for the student-athletes in the women's basketball program."
2 All-Conference
1 NAIA Top-25 Rankings
5 GSAC Scholar-Athletes
2 NAIA Scholar-Athletes
