GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Director of Athletics Aaron Sagraves and the Cornerstone athletics staff is excited to announce the hiring of Kelsey Kooistra as the new Head Coach of the Cornerstone softball program. Kelsey will begin immediately and work toward prepping the softball program for the season in the spring of 2021. 
 
"Throughout the interview process, it was evident in every conversation with Kelsey that she had the same desire and dedication to our purpose and vision of Christ first, academics second, and softball third while not sacrificing any of those to do them at the highest of one's ability. Her strengths are to lead and motivate, which are two things I am excited to see within the program. I am thankful to have her pour into our young women in every aspect of their life and playing career." – Aaron Sagraves, Director of Athletics
 
Kelsey is a recent graduate of Indiana Wesleyan where she was an NFCA All-American and four-year starter at the shortstop and second base positions for one of the best softball programs in the country. She was named to the NAIA World Series All-Tournament Team and helped her team to four trips to the NAIA Opening Round, and two trips to the NAIA World Series. During her four-year career with the Wildcats, Kelsey was a part of a team that won a school record 193 games, including an NAIA best 58-win season. 
 
She earned her degree in Mathematics Education at IWU and has spent the last two and a half years up north at Northern Michigan Christian as a middle school and high school math teacher. During her time as a teacher, Kelsey also served as a volleyball, basketball, and softball coach getting her coaching career started while navigating the global COVID-19 pandemic. 
 
When asked about what attracted her to this position at CU, Kelsey stated, "I was blessed with a college experience that prioritized shaping athletes into servant leaders both on and off the field. Because of this selfless culture, we were able to be successful both in our record and in our mission to show our opponents the love of Christ. From the first conversation I had with Director of Athletics Aaron Sagraves, it was so clear to me that this is the same goal of the Cornerstone athletic department. This is exactly the type of program that I want to coach in. I am humbled at the opportunity to walk alongside my athletes and shape them as players, but more importantly as servant leaders." 
 
Kelsey's roots are in Grand Rapids as she grew up in the area and attended Calvin Christian High School. Kelsey is the daughter of Scott and Deb Kooistra and is the youngest of four siblings, with three older brothers, two sister in-laws, and two nephews. 
 
Some of Kelsey's hobbies include: hunting, fishing, and anything active outdoors. She also loves to travel and spend time with family and friends. 
 
Softball Contact: Seth Walters
CU Athletics: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Softball: Twitter | Instagram

 
Softball Contact: Seth Walters
CU Athletics: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Softball: Twitter | Instagram