| Joe Steinkamp filled several roles for Central men's basketball, including serving as an assistant for 11 seasons. Central athletics photo |
Joe Steinkamp will move up from his role as Central College assistant men's basketball coach to become the Dutch's new head women's coach. He replaces Chelsea Petersen who resigned at the end of the season.
Central Athletics Director Eric Van Kley announced the hiring.
"Joe is a proven and respected coach who will bring high energy and stability to our women's program," said Van Kley in the team's release. "He's a tremendous relationship-builder, not only with his student-athletes but with all areas of campus. We couldn't be more excited to have him lead this team."
Steinkamp was a two-year letterwinner at Central and team co-captain in 2002-03. After working as a graduate assistant at Loras and junior varsity coach at Division II Lewis University, Steinkamp returned to Central as junior varsity coach and then was named top men's assistant to Mike Boschee in 2006. He remained the Dutch's top assistant the past five seasons under Craig Douma who applauded the hire.
"I'm really happy for Coach Steinkamp," he said in the release. "This is something he really wanted. He will do an outstanding job. He loves Central College and he wants to see the women's program be successful. He's got such great passion for the game and so much knowledge that he will bring to the team. He will put his players in position to be successful."
"Central College is home for me," Steinkamp said. "I'm really excited about the opportunity to be a head coach here. It's something I've dreamt about for a long time. The opportunity to help our women's program really build something special is exciting."
Steinkamp replaces Chelsea Petersen who resigned in February at the end of the season. Peterson went 34-66 in four seasons.
The Dutch finished 9-16, 2-14 in the IIAC last season.