Just weeks after Jeff Dittman announced his return to Dakota State University to serve as athletic director and women's basketball coach, Carrie Hofstetter ‘04 has been appointed Head Coach of the Bronco Women's Basketball team – the very team she helped lead to national prominence as a feisty four-year starter at point guard.
"This is a great opportunity for Hastings College and for Carrie. She loves the game, and she loves this school," said Jerry Schmutte, Athletic Director at Hastings College. "She can hit the ground running with recruiting.
"I remember her as a player and had heard she was coaching. When we had this opening, I started asking around campus and quickly learned how highly staff, administrators and faculty think of her. She distinguished herself as a scholar-athlete during her academic career."
Following her graduation, the NAIA 1st Team All-American has served as Head Assistant Coach to her collegiate coach, Tony Hobson, at HC for four years and then at Fort Hays State University for the last four years. In 2010, Hofstetter was inducted into the Hastings College Hall of Fame both as an individual athlete and as part of the 2001/2002 and 2002/2003 Women's Basketball teams.
"I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to lead the Lady Bronco women's basketball program. I couldn't be more excited to return home to Hastings College," said Hofstetter. "I'm anticipating the challenge and absolutely thrilled to again be a part of the storied Hastings College tradition of excellence and success."
Hofstetter's new appointment is effective on July 1, 2012. Her duties will include teaching in the Physical Education Department.
Official Biography for Carrie Hofstetter
Carrie Hofstetter finished her fourth season as the Assistant Women's Basketball Coach at Fort Hays State University. Hofstetter came to FHSU's program from Hastings College where she served as the assistant under current FHSU coach Tony Hobson for four years. She helped coach the Broncos to a national title during the 2005-06 season.
Hofstetter had an impressive career as a player under Hobson at Hastings College. She was a member of two national championship teams and helped the program to a record of 121-22 in her four years at the school. She was a first team all-conference selection in 2003 and 2004 and an NAIA National All-Tournament Team selection three years from 2002-2004. She was the Great Plains Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year and a NAIA First Team All-American in 2004 as a senior. Also during her senior year, Hofstetter was named the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Central Nebraska Athlete of the Year, a member of the Omaha World Herald All-Nebraska Team and received the NAIA Champions of Character Award. She still owns school records for career assists and steals.
Hofstetter is a native of Edgar, Neb., and graduated in 2004 with bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Health Promotion Management from Hastings College. She played her prep career at Sandy Creek High School helping her school to four state titles in girls basketball while never losing a single game.
Hastings College, founded in 1882, is a private, four-year liberal arts institution affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). A total of 64 majors in 32 areas of study and 12 pre-professional programs are offered to more than 1,190 students. Hastings College was named among "America's Best National Liberal Arts Colleges" by U.S. News & World Report, a"Best in the Midwest" by The Princeton Review, and a "Best Buy in College Education" by Barron's. Visit www.hastings.edu for more information.
