Penn State Fires Women's Basketball Coach Carolyn Kieger

The Lady Lions have missed the Big Ten Tournament for two straight seasons under Kieger's leadership.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Penn State has announced a "change in leadership" regarding its women's basketball team, firing head coach Carolyn Kieger after seven seasons. Kieger compiled an 84-123 overall record during her tenure, including four straight losing seasons to start her time in Happy Valley before a brief resurgence that ultimately fizzled out.

Why it matters

Penn State's women's basketball program has struggled for over a decade, making just four NCAA Tournament appearances in the last 20 years after enjoying consistent success in the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s. The school is hoping a new coach can help restore the program to its former glory.

The details

Kieger was hired away from Marquette in 2019 but was unable to turn the Lady Lions' fortunes around. The team finished 16th out of 18 Big Ten teams this past season at 11-18 overall and 4-14 in conference play, missing the Big Ten Tournament for the second straight year. After a promising 16-5 start in 2023-24, the team collapsed down the stretch and ultimately missed the NCAA Tournament.

  • Kieger was hired as Penn State's head coach in the spring of 2019.
  • In the 2023-24 season, Penn State got off to a 16-5 start but then collapsed down the stretch.
  • This past season, Penn State finished 11-18 overall and 4-14 in Big Ten play, missing the conference tournament.

The players

Carolyn Kieger

The former head coach of the Penn State women's basketball team, who was fired after seven seasons with a 84-123 overall record.

Pat Kraft

The Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics at Penn State, who announced the decision to part ways with Kieger.

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What they’re saying

“We appreciate Coach Kieger's commitment and passion she brought to Penn State Lady Lion Basketball. Looking ahead, we remain committed to competing at the highest level, and we believe a change in leadership is necessary to propel the program toward sustained excellence.”

— Pat Kraft, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics (blackshoediaries.com)

What’s next

A search for Kieger's successor is expected to commence immediately.

The takeaway

Penn State's women's basketball program has struggled for over a decade, and the school is hoping a new coach can help restore the program to its former levels of success in the NCAA Tournament.