Head basketball coach Tracey Dorow has announced that Valparaiso University graduate Kurt Westendorp is returning to his alma mater as an assistant coach for the women’s basketball program.

“I am excited to be back at my alma mater,” Westendorp said.  “I had a great experience as a student and am excited to have the opportunity to coach here.  This place is home for me.”

Westendorp has spent the last two seasons as an assistant under Dorow at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Mich.  He helped lead the Bulldogs to the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) North Division title in 2011-2012.  Ferris State advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division II national tournament while tying a school record with a 23-7 record.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue to work with Kurt,” Dorow said.  “His knowledge and passion for the game are second to none.  He’s an exceptional teacher and his biggest strength is the way he relates with the players.”

Westendorp arrived at Ferris State after a three-year stint at Albion College (Mich.), helping the Britons to a 48-31 record.  Albion went 22-5 and reached the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) tournament championship game during his initial season at the school.  He also was the school’s basketball camp coordinator and served as the school’s junior varsity head coach.  Westendorp was also Albion’s head women’s golf coach.

He began his coaching career as the girls’ varsity head coach at New Buffalo High School in Michigan for two seasons.

A student manager for three years at Valparaiso with the men’s program as well as one season with the women’s team, Westendorp assisted with office work, video recording, film breakdown, and game management among numerous other duties.

“I am looking forward to working with the players here at Valpo and returning the program to where it was when I was a manager,” Westendorp added.  “As a manager I experienced success and I know that Tracey and I are looking to return the program to that level.”

Westendorp earned his bachelor’s degree in political science at Valparaiso in 2004 and also received his master’s degree in sports administration in 2006.