Was it a curveball or destiny calling? Either way, no one saw this coming. Keegan Cook, Minnesota’s volleyball coach, has been steering the Gophers to consistent success over the past two years. This season, they made their 10th straight appearance in the NCAA Division I Volleyball Championships, bowing out in the round of 32. Not too shabby, right?

Their Big Ten record was a solid 13-7, and overall, they wrapped up at 21-11—four more wins than last year. Impressive, but Cook didn’t do it all solo. He had a key sidekick who’s now heading for greener—or maybe Spartan—pastures. No, Cook isn’t leaving Minnesota volleyball.

But Kristen Kelsay, the Gophers’ assistant coach, is packing her bags and heading back to Michigan State. And not just for a reunion—she’s stepping in as the Spartans’ eighth head volleyball coach. Talk about a glow-up! The MSU Athletics department clearly took notice of her rise in Gopher colors. In fact, when Cook was sidelined due to a family medical issue this season, Kelsay stepped up and led Minnesota like a pro. That leadership? Yeah, Michigan State couldn’t resist.

Now, the former MSU captain is coming home. On Sunday, the MSU Athletics X-handle dropped the news, and the volleyball world lit up. Kelsay is trading the Gophers’ maroon and gold for the familiar Spartan green. Why leave a successful program for the challenge of rebuilding at home? Well, when it’s your backyard, the pull is strong.

Kelsay’s Michigan State story is practically legend. Between 2010 and 2013, she racked up nearly 3,000 assists as a player and helped lead the Spartans to big wins. By 2015, she was coaching there under Cathy George, who became both mentor and partner in elevating the program. The duo took MSU to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, including a thrilling Elite Eight run in 2017.

Kelsay also coached some top-tier talent, like two-time All-American Rachel Minarick, who still holds the program record for assists. But in 2019, Kelsay ventured beyond East Lansing, joining programs at Northwestern, Nebraska, the USA National Team Development Program, and Minnesota.

And now? She’s back where it all began—but this time, she’s the boss. Kristen Kelsay returns to Michigan State with a wealth of experience and a volleyball IQ that’s through the roof. The reaction to the new role?

Michigan State volleyball’s ‘homegirl’ welcomed with arms wide open

Kristen Kelsay will join the Michigan State volleyball program as the eighth head coach on the list. Six years ago, she had Cathy George to mentor her. Now, she’s running the show solo. But don’t worry—she’s got plenty of backing. MSU’s athletic director, Alan Haller, couldn’t be more pumped, calling Kelsay the perfect fit to lead the Spartans into their next volleyball era. He didn’t hold back on the compliments, praising her “work ethic, volleyball IQ, and team-first attitude.”

He also added, “She’s an excellent recruiter who has strong relationships with volleyball clubs throughout Michigan and the surrounding states.” He didn’t hide his excitement at seeing the former volleyball captain excelling in her new role. “I’m excited to watch her grow as a head coach and pour her heart and soul into building a successful Spartan volleyball program,” Haller concluded his statement. But what about the new coach? How did she feel? 

“I am honored to return to Michigan State University as our women’s volleyball head coach,” mentioned the new Michigan State volleyball coach. She also added, “This program has shaped my life in remarkable ways.” Now, she’s ready to give back to the program that gave her so much.

Her passion for MSU was loud and clear as she wrapped up with, “I love this University, and my passion for all things Green & White is unmatched. I look forward to meeting with the team and reconnecting with our loyal fans, alumni, and Spartan community. Go Green!” With words like that, it’s hard not to feel the energy shift in East Lansing. Is Kristen Kelsay exactly what the Spartans need to spike their way to the top? Let us know your thoughts!