West Point has hired Katie Kuester, who turns 35 next month, as its women’s basketball head coach.
Kuester has worked the past 10 seasons as director of basketball operations and later an assistant coach at Saint Joseph’s University, where she played four seasons. She worked closely with post players, but began her St. Joe’s tenure as a shooting coach for the guards. She has been leading the Hawks‘ international recruiting. She also worked with Loyola (Md.), Lehigh and North Carolina.
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“I am incredibly honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead the Army West Point women’s basketball program,” Kuester said in a press release. “West Point represents the very best in leadership, discipline, and service. I look forward to building a championship culture that reflects those values and developing strong, confident leaders both on and off the court.”
Kuester’s father, John, 70, coached in the NBA for 27 years with the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, New Jersey Nets (2004-05), Orlando Magic, Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers. A four-year player at North Carolina, he also coached collegiately (1980-90) with Richmond, Boston University and George Washington. He played three NBA seasons (1977-80) with the Kansas City Kings, Denver Nuggets and Indiana Pacers.
Kuester replaces Missy Traversi, who was let go as head coach earlier this month – it was a mutually agreed to decision. Traversi led the Army women for the past four seasons (66-55), guiding the Black Knights to 25 wins, a spot in the Patriot League finals and a berth in the Women’s National Invitation Tournament, where Army beat Bryant and lost to Rutgers.
Army head coach Missy Traversi addresses her team during the Patriot League women’s basketball championship in Bethlehem, Pa., on March 16, 2025. Lehigh beat Army 74-62.
“We’re excited to welcome Katie Kuester to the West Point family,” said Army athletic director Tom Theodorakis, making his first significant coaching hire since taking over the job in January. “Katie brings exceptional leadership, a high basketball IQ, and an unmatched work ethic. Her proven ability to develop student-athletes both on and off the court is impressive. Her track record speaks volumes, and we’re eager to see where she takes Army women’s basketball.”
Army guard Reese Ericson ’26, from Lake Oswego, Ore., competes in the Patriot League women’s basketball championship in Bethlehem, Pa., on March 16, 2025. Lehigh beat Army 74-62.
Kuester will take over a veteran team with plenty of experience, losing only senior guard Trinity Hardy. The Black Knights should return all-stars Reese Ericson at guard and Fiona Hastick at forward.
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What they are saying
“Katie Kuester is the epitome of what makes Saint Joseph’s University so special. During her time as both a student-athlete and a coach, Katie’s passion, empathy, work ethic, ability to forge authentic relationships, and incredible basketball mind were all critical to the Hawks’ success. Under her leadership, Army women’s basketball will develop an amazing culture and flourish. Congratulations to Theo on an outstanding hire. We are so proud of — and happy for — Katie!” — Jill Bodensteiner, Saint Joseph’s University vice president and director of athletics
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“Congratulations to Katie and to West Point! What a great match! Katie has been an incredible person, coach, mentor, and leader to our players and coaches at Saint Joseph’s and will do the same as the Head Coach at Army. Katie is a relationship and culture builder, a dynamic X’s and O’s coach, and a winner! Her players will run through the wall for her because she will do the same for them. Her experience in all phases of planning, recruiting, evaluating, and on-court coaching makes her the perfect person for this talented Army team. Her energy and passion for Women’s Basketball is contagious. I am so excited to see Katie take Army to the next level.” — Cindy Griffin, Saint Joseph’s University women’s basketball head coach
“Katie Kuester is a tremendous person and coach. Her passion for developing student-athletes is unmatched, and she brings out the best in people through genuine relationships and contagious energy. Her basketball pedigree speaks for itself, and I’m excited to watch her flourish in the Patriot League. Her leadership at Saint Joseph’s helped drive real success, and I know many would agree — Army West Point hit a home run.” — John Griffin III, Bucknell men’s basketball head coach
This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Army hires Katie Kuester as women’s basketball head coach
