Penn State Parts Ways With Women’s Basketball Coach Carolyn Kieger

Penn State is back in the coaching market.

The university has parted ways with women’s basketball head coach Carolyn Kieger, athletic director Pat Kraft said in a statement on Thursday afternoon. Kieger amassed an 84-123 overall record across the last seven seasons, including an abysmal 30-97 mark in Big Ten play.

Under Kieger’s leadership, the Lady Lions produced just one winning season (22-13 in 2023-24), missing the NCAA tournament but reaching the semifinals of the WBIT. The team did improve its record across each of her first five seasons before bottoming out again.

“We appreciate Coach Kieger’s commitment and passion she brought to Penn State Lady Lion Basketball,” Kraft said. “Looking ahead, we remain committed to competing at the highest level, and we believe a change in leadership is necessary to propel the program toward sustained excellence.”

Prior to her time in Happy Valley, Kieger served as head coach at her alma mater, Marquette, for five seasons, posting an overall record of 99-64 with three trips to The Big Dance. The Golden Eagles also won two regular season Big East championships and two conference tournament championships.

Per the university, a national search will begin immediately. It will mark the fifth head coaching change of the athletic year, with football, field hockey, men’s soccer and men’s volleyball also making changes.