Bennett receives contract extension

After leading NIU women’s basketball to the MAC quaterfinals for the first time since 2007, head women’s basketball coach Kathi Bennett received a contract extension until 2017.

Bennett led the Huskies to a 14-17 overall record and a 6-10 record in the MAC, which was one win better than last season.

Last season was also the team’s first time in Cleveland since 2009 and its first win since 2007.

“Kathi Bennett has what it takes to rebuild and lead our women’s basketball team to a MAC Championship,” said Director of Athletics Jeff Compher in a press release. “This contract extension is a reflection of our confidence in her and the positive momentum she has already established with the program. We are very excited that Kathi wants to be a Huskie for a long time.”

Bennett brings with her a strong defensive mindset as the Huskies’s last season ranked top four in the league in scoring defense, opponent field goal percentage, opponent three-point percentage and defensive rebounding.

“I love NIU, I love the community, I love DeKalb,” Bennett said in a press release. “We just started building on our dream and there’s no where else I want to be than here. I love working with Jeff, and the community of coaches and athletes feels like family.”

Hoffman named a top 30 honoree for the NCAA woman of the year award

After being selected as one of 430 nominees for the NCAA Woman of the Year award in June, former volleyball player Kristin Hoffman has taken that even further.

Hoffman was recently chosen as one of the top 30 honorees as well as one of 10 from the NCAA Division I.

Hoffman was the team captain and helped lead the Huskies to a MAC regular season title. She also became the first Huskie to be named MAC Setter of the Year.

In the classroom, she graduated with a degree in history and GPA of 3.97.

Hoffman was also very involved in community service, as she participated in an AmeriCorps program called Students in Service where she was required to log 300 hours of community service.

“My original selection to just be nominated, I was surprised and grateful,” Hoffman said in a press release. “I did not intend to make the top 30. I was just thankful that I was selected by NIU and the Mid-American Conference to represent both. When I found out I made the top 30, I was overwhelmed. There are no words to describe my feelings toward representing NIU volleyball, the university and the MAC. To have my name with the other 30 selections is an extreme honor and I feel very blessed to have this experience right now.”

Kester to be new women’s golf coach

For the first time in 26 years, NIU women’s golf will have a new head coach, Kim Kester.

“It is my pleasure to welcome Kim Kester to the Huskie family,” said Director of Athletics Jeff Compher in a press conference. “Kim brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to our women’s golf program as well as a thorough understanding of the Mid-American Conference. Not only does she know what it takes to coach in the league, she knows what it’s like to compete in the MAC, having been a very successful golfer in the conference.”

During her three years at Toledo, Kester was a graduate assistant, helping lead the team to a third place finish in the MAC Conference Championship in 2010 as well as in 2012.

She was also the academic coordinator and assisted in the recruiting duties for the Rockets.

“I’m very excited,” Kester said in a press conference. “I come from the MAC, having been at Toledo the last three years, so I am very familiar with the Northern Illinois golf program. I’m ready to take the team to the next level.”