GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Kayla Karius has been named the fourth head coach of Green Bay's storied women's basketball program. Karius, formerly Kayla Tetschlag, played at Green Bay from 2007-11. An introductory press conference will be held in the Kress Events Center on Thursday, April 25 at 10 a.m. and will be open to the public.
"I'm thrilled to be returning to my Alma mater and honored to be only the fourth head coach of Green Bay Women's Basketball," Karius remarked. "This is the premier women's basketball program in our state and is located in one of the most innovative and booming communities. I look forward to carrying on a strong tradition of championships on the court and excellence in the classroom. Thank you to Chancellor Alexander, Athletics Director Josh Moon, and Parker search firm for entrusting me to lead this storied program. Go Phoenix!"
The Sheboygan, Wis., native comes to the Phoenix after two seasons at the University of South Dakota where she led the Coyotes to back-to-back winning seasons in the Summit League, including a 23-13 record last season that ended with a pair of wins in the WNIT.
A key recruiter in the Midwest, Karius has served as the recruiting coordinator at all four stops in her coaching career – Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Drake. Her recruiting classes at South Dakota included 2022 Summit League Player of the Year Chloe Lamb, three-time Defensive Player of the Year Hannah Sjerven, two-time all-league pick Liv Korngable, Monica Arens, Claudia Kunzer, Regan Sankey, and Allison Peplowski.
Before her second stint at South Dakota, Karius spent three seasons at Wisconsin and one at Drake. The Bulldogs won 20 games and reached the WNIT's round of 16. Karius worked with first-team all-Missouri Valley picks Grace Berg and Megan Meyer.
Karius graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay in 2011 with a bachelor's degree in business administration with a marketing emphasis. Karius, a standout as a player on the Phoenix basketball team, was the 2011 Horizon League Player of the Year. She led Green Bay to four Horizon League titles, three NCAA Tournaments, and the NCAA Sweet 16 her senior year. She received the Horizon League Cecil N. Colman Medal of Honor at the conclusion of her playing career. In the summer of 2023, Karius was inducted into the Green Bay Athletics Hall of Fame and is one of 37 Phoenix players in the 1,000-point club.
Kayla Karius' Timeline
· 2022-2024, Head Coach – South Dakota
· 2021-2022, Assistant Coach – Drake
· 2020-2021, Associate Head Coach – Wisconsin
· 2018-2020, Assistant Coach – Wisconsin
· 2016-2018, Assistant Coach – South Dakota
· 2015-2016, Assistant Coach – Sioux Falls
· 2011-2015, Professional Athlete – Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany
· 2007-2011, Student-Athlete – Green Bay Phoenix
What They Are Saying About Karius
Josh Moon, Green Bay Director of Athletics
"We are thrilled to welcome Kayla and her family back home to TITLETOWN. Kayla epitomized the GREEN BAY WAY as a player, and she is a rising star as a coach. She will take this program to even greater heights. It's so special for our team to be able to be led by someone who has been in their shoes and believes to her core of the power of Green Bay Basketball."
Green Bay Chancellor Michael Alexander
"We could not be more excited to bring Kayla Karius back to Green Bay. She understands the tradition of excellence in our Women's Basketball program and has the vision and courage to build on it. I can't wait to support her and our student-athletes as they continue to rise!"
Former Phoenix Head Coach Kevin Borseth
"How exciting to bring Kayla back home. Her coaching experience coupled with her familiarity and love for our program are going to serve her well at Green Bay. I'm excited about the future of Green Bay Women's Basketball."
Jonathan Tsipis, Western Carolina Women's Basketball Head Coach
"What a perfect hire for Green Bay Women's Basketball in Kayla Karius. From her Hall of Fame career as a player at GB to her connections in the state of Wisconsin and in the Midwest, Kayla is a proven winner and relationship builder. She has been an exceptional leader and motivator during her successful coaching journey. Who wouldn't want their daughter to play for Coach Kayla. The future of the Phoenix women's basketball is in great hands with Kayla Karius."
Craig Smith, Utah Men's Basketball Head Coach
"Green Bay is getting an elite person, coach, recruiter, and leader! Kayla is the total package and I have no doubt she'll continue the excellent tradition of Green Bay Women's Basketball!"
Allison Pohlman, Drake Women's Basketball Head Coach
"Kayla Karius is a proven winner. She leads with a competitive spirit, has tremendous relational skills, and exhibits a tireless work ethic. Kayla will represent herself and the program with pride and integrity. Watching her being welcomed back to UW-Green Bay is a phenomenal hire there is no doubt she will do special things."
About Green Bay Women's Basketball
After 51 seasons, Green Bay women's basketball is one of the winningest programs in the country. The Phoenix has had a winning record in 47 straight seasons, second to Tennessee, who has 50. Green Bay has been a dominant force in the Horizon League, winning 17 of 30 conference tournaments since joining in 1994-95. As a program, GB has won 29 regular season conference championships, 20 conference tournament championships, and made 19 NCAA tournament appearances. Green Bay has won 1,113 games (.741 winning percentage) since the program's inception.
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