Gustavus Adolphus College

 

Kari Eckheart

Kari Eckheart E-mail Coach Eckheart

Kari Eckheart, a 1995 graduate of Iowa State University and a native of Mankato, Minnesota, is entering her 12th season as head volleyball coach at Gustavus. Eckheart has guided the Gusties to a record of 169-141 overall and 62-59 in the MIAC during those eleven seasons. Last year under Coach Eckheart's direction, the team finished tied for sixth place in the MIAC with a 6-5 record, but did not advance to the conference tournament despite finishing the year at 18-8 overall.

In 2006, Eckheart led the Gusties to a second place conference finish, which was the highest since 1986. Eckheart was named the MIAC Tri-Coach of the Year for her efforts. While at the helm, Eckheart has had 12 players named all-conference 17 times, two players named MIAC Defensive Player of the Year, and one player named all-region.

Eckheart was a four-year letterwinner as a middle blocker at Iowa State University, serving as a team captain her senior season. She earned Academic All-Big Eight honors three times. Eckheart graduated with a degree in exercise and sport science. She then earned a master's degree in Community Health from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 2001.

Before playing college volleyball at Iowa State, Eckheart was a standout in both volleyball and basketball at Mankato East High School, earning all-conference honors three times in volleyball and twice in basketball. She was inducted into the Mankato East Hall of Fame in the Fall of 2002.

In addition to her volleyball coaching duties, Eckheart is the Health Promotion Coordinator for all Gustavus employees.

Eckheart and her husband, Chris, live in Mankato with their children, Eric and Emily.