After Coach Chris Yaw resigned last year, the Northwestern women’s basketball team was on the lookout for a new head coach. People from near and far contacted athletic director, Dr. Micah Parker, applying for the job, but one applicant stood out from the others. Kristin Rotert who played and coached at South Dakota State University.
During her time as a Jackrabbit, she won four championships as a player and two championships as a coach. She recalls her time at SDSU as being very similar to Northwestern.
“Brookings and Orange City are both very community based, and life in both towns seems to revolve around the college and campus.” Rotert said.
She loves how much support is shown to student athletes, and how there is a family feel as well as the culture that NW surrounds itself with.
While Rotert is both a talented coach and player, she also has a servant’s heart. During her time at SDSU, she went on a mission trip to Ghana, Africa. It was for a sports outreach mission which offered camps and clinics to the people of Ghana. During her time in Africa, she was able to build relationships with the campers, teammates and coaches. To this day, Ghana holds a special place in her heart.
Rotert is most excited about coming into a program where a winning tradition is already in place. This is a unique opportunity, and she feels that if they can continue the momentum and build off what is already there, it will be a good year.
“The girls individually have so much talent, and their depth is incredible. I think it we all continue to work together and put our talents together, it will be a special year” Rotert says, regarding what she thinks this year will bring.
Dr. Parker and the rest of the hiring committee are very excited about what Rotert can bring to the athletic program. She brings a passion to the game, and she is very intentional about her relationships with her student-athletes.
In an interview Dr. Parker said, “She loves the Lord, and will help the Red Raiders honor Christ through excellence in athletics,” which we have already seen to be true. Rotert and the Red Raiders ladies have their first game on October 29 against Tabor College to kick off their 2021-2022 season.
