Valparaiso University head coach Tracey Dorow has announced that Katie Loosvelt will be joining the Crusaders’ women’s basketball staff as an assistant coach.

Loosvelt has spent the last three years as a fitness director and general manager for Tilton Fitness in New Jersey.  She has been responsible for one-on-one instruction in general fitness, sport specific exercise, and nutrition, and also spent time as a personal trainer on MTV’s reality show “I Used to be Fat.”

“I am ecstatic about this opportunity to join Coach Dorow and the entire Valparaiso Women's Basketball program,” Loosvelt stated.  “From the minute I stepped on campus, I knew it would be a great fit.  The entire University's enthusiasm and commitment to athletics and academics is overwhelming and exciting.  Having played for Coach Dorow, I know she is more than capable of bringing the Crusaders to a championship level program. I am excited to share my knowledge and experience and to be a part of the future success of this basketball program.”

Loosvelt played at Ferris State University from 2004-2008 as a point guard, and was the recipient of the team’s Hardest Worker Award in 2005.  She was a three-time Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference All-Academic Team selection as well during her stay with the Bulldogs.  With the Crusaders she will be responsible for helping with the team’s strength and conditioning as well as running camps.

"Katie played for me at FSU and is extremely familiar with my expectations, as well as my coaching philosophy,” Dorow stated.  “As a player, she was a relentless competitor who always brought a spark to our team.  Katie knew when to lighten the mood and when to help the team focus.  She will add a great deal of enthusiasm to each and every workout and practices will be much more fun with Katie inspiring all of us to be our best.  When I started thinking about what the Valpo women's basketball program needed from this position coach, Katie fulfilled every category --- she is bright, energetic, passionate, and hilarious.”

With the addition of Loosvelt, Dorow now has her 2012-2013 coaching staff in place.  She brought Kurt Westendorp with her from Ferris State as one of her assistant coaches.  Westendorp is in charge of player development on and off of the court.  In addition, Steve Helm is remaining with the Crusader program as another assistant coach and will continue to serve as the team’s recruiting coordinator.  Helm is beginning his third season with the Brown and Gold.

“Coach Helm has done a tremendous job throughout this time of transition in our program,” Dorow stated.  “He is connected with the current players and has strong recruiting ties across the country.  It did not take me long to realize that he is a perfect fit for our staff.  He is professional, well-liked, respected, and eager to make a significant impact in the Valpo women’s basketball program.  Steve is a class act and I am thrilled that he has chosen to continue mentoring our players and sharing his knowledge with the coaches at Valpo.”

“I believe we now have a well-balanced staff that is ready to challenge each of the young ladies in our program to flourish,” Dorow concluded.  “The staff is in place and now it is time to get down to business.”