The University of Minnesota Crookston athletics department and volleyball program announced the hiring of Mikia Kriener as the top assistant coach for the Golden Eagles.
Kriener, who played volleyball at Augustana University, will be the lead assistant under head coach Nick Meseck, who heads into his fourth season at the helm of the Golden Eagles and fifth overall at Minnesota Crookston.
Kriener will transition to the bench for the maroon and gold, following a stellar collegiate career as a Viking. As a senior in 2023, Kriener totaled 407 points, 44 blocks and finished with a career-high 380 kills on the year, including a double-double against Minnesota Crookston, finishing with 18 kills and 10 digs in the match. Kriener was named to the All-NSIC First Team and was also a CSC Academic All-District honor.
In her five year career as a Viking, Kriener was named to the NSIC Fall Academic Team of Excellence in four straight seasons.
Head coach Nick Meseck is thrilled to add the pedigree of Kriener to his staff. “We are extremely excited to add Mikia Kriener to our coaching staff. Mikia brings a high level of playing experience from playing at Augustana University where she was NSIC First Team All-Conference,” Meseck said. “She has a great coaching foundation from the Kairos Volleyball club, an exceptional ability to connect with players, and will serve as a tremendous role model for the team. We couldn’t be happier to have Mikia join our Golden Eagle family!”
Kriener, a native of Okoboji, Iowa, is equally as excited to transition to the bench and bring her volleyball IQ and playing pedigree to the Golden Eagle volleyball program. “I am excited to be joining the Golden Eagle volleyball program,” mentioned Kriener. “As a former NSIC player, I know how competitive and challenging the conference can be and I can’t wait to be back. I am looking forward to working with the athletes and to continue to build the program.”
The Golden Eagles are coming off of a season where they won seven matches, the most they’ve had since 2017, when they also won seven matches. Their four NSIC wins were the most they’ve had since 2022.
The Golden Eagles have a number of returners that contributed to last year’s squad that should make an impact this season. Madison Carsten (Jr., OH, Wadena), Kailee Waasdorp (Jr., DS, West Fargo, N.D.), Emma Malek (Jr., MH/RS, Plainfield, Ill.) and Megan Schoenfelder (Jr., MH, Zumbrota) are all juniors, having combined to play in more than 100 matches in their career. Sophomore’s Lexi Scharold (So., MH, Alexandria, Kent.) and Carizma Muth (So., OH, Randolph, Wis.) are offensive contributors that are back for their second season.
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