In the world of college sports, few programs experience the level of transformation that Michigan State University’s volleyball team is undergoing. Central to this transformation is the hiring of Kristen Kelsay as the new head coach of the Spartans. This change is not just a new chapter for MSU volleyball; it marks a new era driven by Kelsay’s unique experience, leadership, and the institution’s commitment to elevating the program to national prominence.
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A Full Circle Journey
Kristen Kelsay’s story with Michigan State begins long before she was appointed as the head coach. It traces back to her time as a player for the Spartans, where she experienced the program’s “transformational” impact firsthand. A standout athlete, Kelsay was part of the team during a memorable run to the Sweet 16 in 2012 and again in 2013. She later went on to contribute to the program in various assistant coaching roles, cementing her connection with the university. For Kelsay, returning to Michigan State wasn’t just a career move; it was a homecoming of sorts.
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However, the journey wasn’t a straightforward path. Three years ago, she was a finalist for the same head coaching position but ultimately didn’t secure the role. At that time, Kelsay felt the pressure of legacy and expectation. While passionate about the Spartans, she admitted that she wasn’t quite ready for such a significant leap. This time around, however, things are different. When MSU Athletic Director Alan Haller called her in December, Kelsay was able to answer with a renewed sense of confidence.
“Personally and professionally, I’m in a whole different space today than I was three years ago,” Kelsay reflected after being announced as the new head coach. Her growth, both as a coach and a leader, has been evident over the years. Today, Kelsay feels assured in her capabilities and her decision to lead Michigan State volleyball into the future.
A Strategic Investment in Volleyball
Michigan State’s commitment to improving its volleyball program has been clear, and Kelsay’s appointment is part of a larger strategic vision spearheaded by Haller and Associate Athletic Director Julee Burgess. The university’s investment in volleyball is not just seen in the hiring of a new head coach but also in its infrastructural plans. MSU is in the early stages of building a brand-new, state-of-the-art arena specifically designed for volleyball, gymnastics, and wrestling. This new facility will provide a modern home for the volleyball team, offering not only a better venue for matches but also for training and recruitment. The facility will also save the athletic department significant costs, as currently, volleyball games are held in the Breslin Center, a venue that costs MSU between $400,000 to $500,000 annually to lease.
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Haller has been vocal about his ambitions for MSU volleyball. He expressed a desire for the program to be in “the national conversation,” and Kelsay is seen as the ideal candidate to make that vision a reality. With the addition of more scholarships—five extra starting next season—Kelsay will have a larger pool of resources to develop top-tier talent and build a competitive team that can challenge for national titles.
Kelsay’s Coaching Path
Kelsay’s coaching career has been marked by both consistent growth and impressive success. After her time at Michigan State as an assistant coach, she moved on to Northwestern and Volleyball Club Nebraska, honing her skills in different environments. She then spent two years as the associate head coach at Minnesota, a program that has long been a powerhouse in the Big Ten. It was here that Kelsay further sharpened her recruiting abilities and gained invaluable experience in leading a high-level program.
It was during her time at Minnesota that Kelsay became an even more attractive candidate for MSU. She had proven herself in a top-tier program, and her work as a recruiter had earned her national recognition. MSU Athletic Director Alan Haller knew that Kelsay was the right fit for the job, and when the opportunity arose, he didn’t hesitate to offer her the role. Her return to Michigan State is not just about continuing a legacy—it’s about creating a new one.
Building a Winning Culture
When Kelsay took over at MSU, one of her first priorities was to build strong, trusting relationships with the players. She has already made efforts to connect with each player individually, learning about their personal stories, their motivations for choosing Michigan State, and their goals for the future. Kelsay recognizes that a successful program is not built on strategy and skill alone—it’s built on trust and strong relationships.
In her own words, Kelsay emphasized that her coaching philosophy is rooted in the people aspect of the game. “I love winning, but I love the relationship piece alongside it,” she shared. She has already begun fostering a supportive and collaborative environment with her players, understanding that trust and camaraderie will drive the team’s success.
Additionally, Kelsay has acknowledged the increasing importance of the transfer portal in college volleyball. With the portal playing a pivotal role in roster changes, Kelsay has made it a priority to maintain open lines of communication with recruits and transfer athletes. Her experience as a recruiter, honed over years of working in competitive environments, will be crucial in ensuring MSU can attract top talent and maintain a competitive edge.
A Legacy of Mentorship and Recruitment
One of the most significant aspects of Kelsay’s coaching career has been her ability to recruit and mentor athletes. Her former head coach, Cathy George, has been one of her biggest supporters, recognizing Kelsay’s potential as a coach early on. “Nobody handed her this,” said George, who now leads the Grand Rapids Rise in the Pro Volleyball Federation. “Kristen worked herself into this position. Everybody knew she was a rising star.”
Her recruitment abilities were so well-regarded that even prestigious programs like Nebraska and Louisville sought to hire her away from MSU during her assistant coaching tenure. Kelsay’s success on the recruiting trail has established her as one of the best in the nation, and that skill will be invaluable as she continues to build Michigan State into a volleyball powerhouse.
Looking to the Future
As Kristen Kelsay settles into her new role, there is a palpable sense of excitement surrounding the future of MSU volleyball. The combination of a new, dedicated facility, increased resources, and Kelsay’s leadership offers a promising outlook for the program. With a foundation built on strong relationships, strategic investments, and a commitment to excellence, Kelsay is poised to lead Michigan State back to the top of the Big Ten and the national volleyball landscape.
For Kelsay, the journey has come full circle. From a player who experienced the highs of MSU volleyball to a coach now leading the program, Kelsay is ready to make her mark. She believes in the potential of MSU volleyball, and with her vision and dedication, that potential is about to be realized. As she embarks on this new chapter, it is clear that Kristen Kelsay is more than just a coach—she is the catalyst for a new era of Spartan volleyball.
