After seven years of Division I and 15 years of high school assistant coaching experience, Christine Collins-Kiernan has accepted the role of Head Coach for Concordia University's Women's Basketball Program.

"After an extensive search, I am pleased to have Christine Collins-Kiernan as our new Head Women's Basketball Coach," Director of Athletics, Mo Roberson said. "Christine understands that academics are very important, how to recruit, develop players and will serve as a great role model for our student-athletes."

Collins-Kiernan, who has spent the last seven years as the assistant coach at California State University, Northridge, will bring her vivacious energy, relationship driven leadership style and high-level coaching experience to the Eagles.

 "When I heard the job was open, I had a strong feeling that this would be a good spot for me." Collins-Kiernan said. "It's such a beautiful campus and an amazing opportunity to be in a faith based college and really empower young women to be strong women."

President of the University, Kurt Krueger, also believes she will represent Concordia's mission and tradition of excellence on and off the court.

"Coach Collins-Kiernan brings a wealth of coaching experience to Concordia, and more importantly, a strong commitment to develop student-athletes into wise, honorable and cultivated citizens. She is a fine addition to an already exceptional coaching staff," Krueger said. 

Collins-Kiernan has played an integral role in the programs she has been involved with.  At Northridge, she proved her versatility and depth as a coach.

Aside from the facets of being an assistant coach, she oversaw recruiting, development of fundraising, scouting reports, academics, alumni outreach and social media. The teams produced success during her era. They won back to back Big West Tournament Championships, produced two Big West Players of the Year, three Big West Freshman of the Year, and in 2012 made the best Division 1 turn around in the nation.

Collins-Kiernan was overwhelmed when she received news of the offer.

"I am incredibly thankful that Mo Roberson, Vice President Gary McDaniel and President Kurt Krueger had the faith and confidence in me to lead this program in the direction they see fit for the University," Collins-Kiernan said.

Prior to her role at Northridge, she served as the assistant coach at high school power house, Mater Dei. From 2006 to 2010, Collins-Kiernan ran the booster club, developed camps, managed marketing and led community service and weekly faith based growth and motivation for the program.  She helped transform a sub .500 team to a team who won 20 games and made it to the CIF Semi Finals. They went on to win two CIF Titles, two State Titles and one National Championship. The program produced the second Gatorade Player of the Year in School history and eight players who went on to play at the Division I level.  

Collins-Kiernan also coached at Troy High School from 1996 to 2006. She received her degree in Communicative Disorders from Cal State Fullerton in 2006.

In her role as Head Coach for the Eagles, Collins-Kiernan strives to provide female student-athletes the opportunity to have a successful experience and prep them for a lifetime of success and strength following graduation.

Along with Roberson, Executive Vice President, Gary McDaniel is eager to welcome the new coach.

"Concordia University has a very high standard related to the type of program that is expects its coaches to create," McDaniel said. "Administration is committed to hire talent that creates opportunities for success, we believe Christine Collins-Kiernan is an ideal candidate. It was clear from the beginning that Christine is motivated to create change in the women's basketball culture at Concordia University. Once again, God has blessed Concordia's athletic program."

Her motivation to create change, cultivate relationships within the community and Christ and deliver on her Purpose over passion mindset is a driving force for Collins-Kiernan entering this new role.