Army West Point Athletics
Women's Basketball
- Title:
- Head Women's Basketball Coach
Katie Kuester was named the head coach of the Army West Point women’s basketball program on May 22, 2025, and enters her second season at the helm in 2026-27.
Kuester (CUE-sterr) is the 10th head coach in Army women’s basketball program history and became the winningest first-year head coach after putting together a remarkable 26-8 record.
Following the conclusion of the season, Kuester was named the 2026 Spalding® Maggie Dixon NCAA Division I Rookie Coach of the Year by the Women's Basketball Coaches Association. The award is named in honor of the late Maggie Dixon, who in her inaugural season as Army's head coach, led the Black Knights to the 2006 Patriot League title and their first-ever appearance in the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship tournament. Dixon, 29, died of an undiagnosed heart condition just weeks after on April 6, 2006.
Under Kuester, Army finished tied for second in the Patriot League standings last season, going 14-4 against Patriot League opponents. The Black Knights season culminated in a trip to the WNIT Great 8 against Marshall, marking the deepest postseason run in program history.
The WNIT kicked off with Army hosting its first Division I postseason game, as it knocked off NJIT in the Round of 32. A few days later, the Black Knights took down La Salle in the Super 16 inside Christl Arena.
Army opened the Kuester era going 9-2 during its non-conference slate, which included impressive wins over St. Thomas, UMass and Howard.
After dropping its conference opener, Army won six straight conference games to establish itself at the top of the Patriot League standings.
Four Black Knights recorded All-Patriot League Honors following the regular season. Camryn Tade was named First Team All-Patriot League, Kya Smith earned Second Team All-Patriot League, Reese Ericson garnered named Third Team All-Patriot League and Reganne Reardon was named to the All-Rookie Team. Additionally, Tade and Smith each earned a spot on the All-Defensive team.
A rising star in collegiate coaching and a proven developer of talent, Kuester joins the Black Knights after a decade-long tenure (2015-25) on the coaching staff at Saint Joseph’s University.
“We’re excited to welcome Katie Kuester to the West Point family,” said Theodorakis. “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.”
While at Saint Joseph’s, Kuester began her tenure working with the guards as a shooting coach before transitioning to coaching the post players. She also led the program’s domestic and international recruiting efforts. Under her guidance, the Hawks reached new heights during the 2023–24 season, setting a school record with 28 wins and advancing to the quarterfinals of the inaugural Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT).
“I am incredibly honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead the Army West Point Women’s Basketball program,” said Kuester. “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 played a critical role in the development of standout forwards Laura Ziegler and Talya Brugler, both of whom earned Atlantic 10 All-Conference honors and First Team All-Big 5 recognition. Brugler became the 29th player in program history to score 1,000 career points, while Ziegler nearly averaged a double-double on the season.
Promoted to assistant coach in 2018 and to recruiting coordinator in 2021, Kuester helped Saint Joseph’s land back-to-back A-10 Rookies of the Year in Brugler and Ziegler—further evidence of her ability to identify and cultivate elite talent.
Prior to returning to her alma mater, Kuester served as a staff member at Loyola (Md.), Lehigh, and North Carolina, where she contributed to the Tar Heels’ run to the 2014 NCAA Elite Eight.
A former standout guard at Saint Joseph’s, Kuester finished her career in the program’s top 10 for three-pointers (167) and free throw percentage (.861). She was named to the All-Big 5 Second Team in 2010-11, and she was also a standout off the court, earning Atlantic 10 Commissioner’s Honor Roll and Saint Joseph’s Athletic Director’s Honor Roll recognition.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from SJU in 2012 and then a master’s in educational leadership from Lehigh. She is the daughter of longtime NBA coach John Kuester, who spent 20 years in the league with teams including the Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Lakers. Kuester is a native of Media, Pennsylvania.
