MNU Director of Athletics,
Kevin Steele, announced today the hiring of Karen Lange as the Head Women's Basketball Coach. She replaces Bill Olin, who announced his retirement after the 09-10 season. Lange has spent the last seven seasons as the lead Assistant Coach for Bonnie Henrickson at the University of Kansas. Prior to her time at KU, Lange was an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Virginia Tech for eight years. At KU, in addition to her on-court duties working with the point guards, Lange assisted in the monitoring of academics, recruiting and scouting.
“Today is an exciting moment in the history of MNU Women's Basketball,” says MNU Director of Athletics
Kevin Steele. “Karen Lange brings with her a wealth of knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm that will enable us to take the next step towards excellence in our program. We are delighted to have her join our MNU family of coaches and look forward to working with her as we work together towards creating champions.”
Lange, who moved into the role of recruiting coordinator at Virginia Tech in 2003-04, made the transition from player to coach after a standout career at the University of Iowa. In her time as the Hawkeyes' point guard, Lange received All-Big Ten Conference and Academic All-Conference honors, in addition to helping lead Iowa to an appearance in the NCAA Final Four in 1993. She was also part of Iowa's 1994 Second Round appearance, and 1996 Sweet Sixteen appearance.
Lange's coaching accomplishments include several NCAA Tournament appearances with Virginia Tech:
- 2004 Second Round
- 2003 Second Round
- 2001 Second Round
- 1999 Sweet Sixteen
- 1998 Second Round
“I am excited and looking forward to taking over the head coaching responsibilities at MidAmerica Nazarene University where there has always been a great basketball tradition,” says Lange. “It is my goal to not only continue and advance the winning tradition of the basketball program, but to also foster the growth of our players as young women. Finally, it will be very important to me to serve MNU and represent its values as I feel my purpose is to help our young women grow spiritually.”
A native of Raleigh, N.C., Lange received her bachelor's degree in exercise science from Iowa in 1996. She is married to Cory Lange and the couple has a daughter, Ashlyn (4), and a son Ty (1).
There will be a press conference introducing the new coach Wednesday at noon in the Allega Room in the Cook Center on the campus of MNU.
