JWCC turns to Koetters to return to her alma mater as head women’s basketball coach

QUINCY — Kelly Koetters is returning to where the journey began.

The John Wood Community College alumnus and former Trail Blazers assistant coach has been named JWCC’s new women’s basketball coach. Koetters replaces Ali Schwagmeyer-Belger, who also returned to her alma mater when she became the head coach at Quincy University at the end of April.

“It’s kind of crazy, but I’m excited to be back at John Wood,” Koetters said. “John Wood has had a huge impact on me personally and also me getting into coaching. I’m excited to get back there and back to them.”

Koetters spent the past 13 years as the head women’s basketball coach at Hannibal-LaGrange University after one season as an assistant coach. The Trojans won 15 or more games twice during her tenure. She also served as the senior women’s administrator at HLGU.

Admittedly, it was difficult to say goodbye after such a lengthy tenure with the Trojans.

“It’s been super tough and it’s been super emotional,” Koetters said. “I’ve gone through a couple of boxes of tissues already. I’ve built some great relationships at Hannibal, and everyone is excited for my next opportunity. But it was really tough to leave the people here and the players I have returning for next season.”

Coming home will make the transition easier.

A 2000 graduate of Augusta Southeastern, where she was an honorable mention all-state guard who led the Suns to a 23-4 record her senior season, Koetters played two seasons at JWCC under long-time Trail Blazers coach Norm Rodriguez. As a sophomore in 2002, Koetters was named the Collegiate Conference of Central Illinois Player of the Year.

She went on to play two years at Judson College and was named an NAIA Academic All-American. 

After graduating from Judson with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing, Koetters returned to JWCC and served as an assistant women’s basketball coach and spent three seasons as the head softball coach from 2009-11. She joined the staff at HLGU in 2011.

“Having Norm as a coach meant a great deal to me,” Koetters said. “When I went back to John Wood and got into a coaching role, the mentors that I had there — people like Norm and Mike Elbe and Jim Schlager and Dr. (John) Letts — made a lasting impression on me. My hope is to get back to John Wood and hopefully do the same thing with athletes and new coaches that get in there.”

That starts with building a roster and fostering relationships with the area’s rich talent base.

The Trail Blazers are expected to return five freshmen from the 2024-25 team and have a talented incoming freshman class filled with regional talent.

“I know that’s been the bread and butter at John Wood, recruiting the local kids,” Koetters said. “Establishing those relationships is important. I know there’s been some short turnover with the coaches, so re-establishing the relationships with the high school coaches is key to keeping some of that local talent local.”