Bowdoin assistant Krasco remains in NESCAC

More news about: Bowdoin | Middlebury
KJ Krasco is back for a second stint as a Division III women's basketball head coach.
Bowdoin athletics photo 

Middlebury has announced the hiring of Kelly “KJ” Krasco as the school’s women’s basketball coach. Krasco comes to Middlebury from NESCAC foe Bowdoin, where she has served as the top assistant coach for the past three seasons.

“I am incredibly excited about KJ Krasco joining the leadership of our Athletic Program at Middlebury,” said dean of the college Shirley Collado. “Her experience with recruitment and developing a strong team culture will build on the strengths of the women’s basketball team. KJ’s energy and vision for quality coaching are clear.  Our students will be fortunate to have her at Middlebury.”

“I am delighted and humbled at the opportunity to be the next women’s basketball coach at Middlebury College,” said Krasco. “The school has a great tradition of excellence in academics and athletics, and I’m looking forward to the challenge of moving the women’s basketball program to the next level.”

Krasco replaces Noreen Pecsok, who was 204-189 in 16 seasons at Middlebury. The Panthers were 7-17, 1-9 in the NESCAC last season.

 Coach Profile KJ Krasco, Middlebury
 Alma mater Colby-Sawyer, 2005
 Experience

Assistant Coach at Bowdoin, 2011-2014; Head Coach at Clarkson, 2007-2010 (15-60 in three years)

 Replaces Noreen Pecsok (204-189 in 16 years)

During her three seasons at Bowdoin, she served as the top recruiter for a program that made two NCAA Tournament appearances and won over 20 games on two occasions. She was also part of the 2011-12 Maine State women’s basketball coaching staff of the year. Among her duties were recruiting, practice planning, scouting reports, and video breakdown.

“I am thrilled to have KJ joining our staff as the head women’s basketball coach,” said athletic director Erin Quinn. “Her vision for creating a positive team culture, her commitment to academic and athletic excellence, along with her community involvement make her a perfect fit for Middlebury College.”

Krasco’s coaching career began at St. Lawrence in 2005, where she spent two seasons with the Saints. She was part of the 2007 Liberty League coaching staff of the year, as the team enjoyed a record-setting 20-win season.

Krasco’s next stop came in 2007, when she took over the reins of the Clarkson program as head coach. She was 15-60 in three seasons. Prior to her three seasons with the Polar Bears, Krasco enjoyed a one-year stint as an assistant coach at Division II Merrimack in 2010-11.

As a player at Colby-Sawyer, Krasco was a first-team All-Commonwealth Coast Conference player and 1,000-point scorer for the Chargers from 2002-05. She was named the New Hampshire Division III Player of the Year in 2004-05, as Colby-Sawyer won the Commonwealth Coast Conference title and reached the NCAA Tournament.

The Medford, Mass., native is a member of the Medford High school Hall of Fame.

“Her experience as an outstanding player, former head coach, and as a NESCAC assistant coach have prepared her well to hit the ground running recruiting and developing outstanding Middlebury basketball players, students, and community members,” added Quinn.