SMSU Athletics Hall of Honor
Kelly Kruger (1987-2005) served as the head women’s basketball coach for 14 seasons leading the program from its transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II. During his tenure he led the program to four 20-plus win seasons, a pair of conference titles and two NCAA Tournament appearances.
Kruger came to SMSU in 1987 and served as an assistant football coach for three seasons and an assistant men’s basketball coach for two seasons before being named interim head women’s basketball coach in 1991. He was named the permanent head women’s basketball coach in May of 1992.
Kruger, who finished with a career record of 234-164, led the Mustangs to 10 winning seasons including four 20-plus win seasons. SMSU set a-then school record with 20 victories during the 1999-2000 season, helping set up an incredible two-year run atop the league standings.
SMSU won back-to-back NSIC regular season championships in 2000-01 and 2001-02 combining for a record of 49-13, including 31-5 in conference play. SMSU advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history in 2000-01, setting a school record with 25 victories. The 2001-02 squad also won the NSIC Tournament and qualified for the NCAA Tournament for the second straight season. SMSU defeated Nebraska-Kearney and North Dakota in the first two rounds before losing to South Dakota State in the region championship game.
Kruger coached three NCAA All-Americans and 19 All-NSIC first team honorees during his career and was a three-time NSIC Coach of the Year (1994, 2000, 2001).
Kruger served as head women’s basketball coach at Adams State University, Ashford University and Iowa Central Community College following his tenure at SMSU.
