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Crookston Today
By the People, for the People
University of Minnesota Crookston Hires New Volleyball Coach
Kathleen Rustad brings championship pedigree to lead Golden Eagle program
Mar. 16, 2026 at 8:25pm
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The University of Minnesota Crookston has hired Kathleen (Hegg) Rustad as the new head coach of its volleyball program. Rustad comes to Crookston after a highly successful run as the head coach at Hawley High School, where she led the Nuggets to back-to-back state championships in Class AA.
Why it matters
Rustad's hiring represents a major coup for the Golden Eagles, as she brings a proven track record of winning at the high school level and deep ties to the region. Her arrival is expected to provide an immediate boost to the program and help elevate UMN Crookston's competitiveness in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.
The details
Rustad, a former standout player at North Dakota State, has been the head coach at Hawley High School for the past seven seasons. During her tenure, she led the Nuggets to three state tournament appearances, including consecutive Class AA state titles in 2021 and 2022. Rustad compiled an impressive 136-35 record at Hawley and was named the Class AA Coach of the Year twice.
- Rustad was hired as the new head volleyball coach at the University of Minnesota Crookston on March 16, 2026.
- At Hawley High School, Rustad led the Nuggets to back-to-back state championships in 2021 and 2022.
The players
Kathleen (Hegg) Rustad
The new head volleyball coach at the University of Minnesota Crookston, Rustad comes to Crookston after a highly successful run as the head coach at Hawley High School, where she led the Nuggets to back-to-back state championships in Class AA.
Stephanie Helgeson
The director of athletics at the University of Minnesota Crookston, Helgeson announced the hiring of Rustad to lead the Golden Eagle volleyball program.
What they’re saying
“We are thrilled to announce Kathleen as our next volleyball coach. Kathleen brings a winning pedigree to the program and has won wherever she has been. She has great energy and enthusiasm and an understanding of volleyball and is knowledgeable of the region and state of Minnesota and we can't wait for her to get started.”
— Stephanie Helgeson, Director of Athletics, University of Minnesota Crookston
“I'm super excited to start this new adventure and I am excited to get involved with the program. I'm especially excited to get to know the team and be a part of building this family up together. Go Golden Eagles!”
— Kathleen Rustad
What’s next
Rustad is expected to begin her duties as the new head volleyball coach at the University of Minnesota Crookston in the coming weeks, as she prepares to lead the Golden Eagles into the 2026 season.
The takeaway
Kathleen Rustad's hiring as the new head volleyball coach at the University of Minnesota Crookston represents a significant coup for the program, as she brings a proven track record of success and a deep understanding of the region. Her arrival is expected to provide an immediate boost to the Golden Eagles and help elevate the program's competitiveness in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.
