SAN MARCOS, Texas – Texas State University Director of Athletics Don Coryell has announced the hiring of Chris Kielsmeier as the new leader of the Bobcat women's basketball program. With more than 25 years of experience across various levels as a head coach, Kielsmeier has cemented himself as a proven leader with a championship pedigree.

Kielsmeier takes over as the ninth head coach in TXST history after a decorated career at the helm of Cleveland State women's basketball. In eight seasons with the Vikings, Kielsmeier led CSU to six post season appearances, including a trip to the NCAA Tournament during the 2022-23 season en route to a record-setting 30-win campaign for the Vikings. The 2025-26 season was capped off with a 26-10 record (13-7 Horizon League) and an appearance in the WNIT Great 8 and gave Kielsmeier his fifth consecutive 20-win season, and sixth overall, with Cleveland State. In his final five seasons with the program, his teams amassed 133 total wins including four seasons with at least 26 victories.

"Chris Kielsmeier is a proven winner and one of the most respected coaches in women's basketball," Coryell said. "His track record of success, combined with his ability to recruit at a high level, makes him the ideal leader for our program. Chris has a clear vision and a plan to elevate Texas State women's basketball, and he possesses an elite eye for identifying and developing talent that fits his system. We are excited about the future under his leadership."

The 2023-24 Horizon League Coach of the Year mentored Destiny Leo (2023), Colbi Maples (2024) and Mickayla Perdue (2025) to three straight conference Player of the Year honors, while Leo previously collected Sixth Player of the Year accolades (2021) and Perdue Newcomer of the Year honors (2024). Most recently, Izabella Zingaro was named the league's 2026 Newcomer of the Year. In all, Kielsmeier's players garnered 30 all-conference honors from the Horizon League during his tenure.

Kielsmeier wrapped up his time at the helm with a 180-80 record, including an impressive 77-8 record at home in his last five seasons, the program's first Horizon League regular season title (2024), first postseason tournament championship (2021 WBI) and six of Cleveland State's eight total 20-win seasons in program history. The Vikings were also one of 10 programs in the country with at least 25 wins over the last four seasons among the likes of South Carolina, UConn, LSU and others.

"I am thrilled to be joining the Texas State community and looking forward to an amazing opportunity to build something really special with the Bobcat Family," said Kielsmeier. "I would like to thank President Kelly Damphousse and Athletics Director Don Coryell for putting their faith in me to lead the women's basketball program as they enter the prestigious PAC-12 era. I can't wait to get started with building on the tradition and success the program has had in the past, while instilling a new standard of excellence that will see the Bobcat women's basketball program become a perennial contender for championships and postseason bids."

Prior to his time at CSU, Kielsmeier served as head coach of Wayne State College (DII) for 10 seasons, where he exited as the program's all-time winningest coach at 237-72 (.767). The Wildcats made five NCAA Tournament appearances, including three consecutive from 2010-12, won NSIC Tournament Championships in 2010 and 2012 and took home NSIC regular season titles on four occasions (2011, 2012, 2014, 2015). His teams were mainstays in the national rankings with the 2011-12 team posting a program-best 32-3 record and a No. 4 ranking in the final USA Today/ESPN poll.

Kielsmeier mentored the 2012 Division II Bulletin National Player of the Year, two WBCA All-America honorees, the first in program history, and 19 NSIC All-Conference players. For his efforts, Kielsmeier was also named the 2010 and 2012 NSIC Coach of the Year, while picking up Region 7 WBCA Coach of Year accolades in 2012.

Before arriving at WSC, Kielsmeier opened his head coaching career at Howard Payne (DIII) in Brownwood, Texas. There, Kielsmeier spent one season as an assistant before moving into the head coaching ranks in 2000. Much like his time in Wayne State, he left the program as the all-time winningest coach, finishing his time in Brownwood 179-44 (.802).

Following a perfect 33-0 season, the program won the 2008 DIII National Championship and finished No. 1 in the USA Today/ESPN final poll. HPU also won ASC Conference Championships in 2005, 2007 and 2008 and made four NCAA Tournament appearances.

During his 10 seasons, Kielsmeier was a three-time ASC Coach of the Year, two-time WBCA South Region Coach of the Year and the WBCA National Coach of the Year following the Lady Jackets National Championship run. He saw 38 players named ASC All-Conference selections and 40 named All-Academic honorees.

Kielsmeier's 26-year career as a head coach features a 596-196 all-time record.

"As we begin play in our new conference next season, it is essential that all of our sports prepare not to just be Pac-12 members, but to compete for conference championships," TXST Kelly Damphousse said. "I'm excited about the winning experience and culture that Coach Kielsmeier is bringing to San Marcos. I can't wait to watch him cutting down nets for Texas State in short order!"

A native of Iowa, Kielsmeier, earned a bachelor of science in sports management from Iowa State in 1999 and received his first coaching opportunity as an intern with the Iowa State women's basketball program.

What they're saying about Kielsmeier…

Congratulations to Texas State on the addition of Chris Kielsmeier. Chris is among the very best coaches in college basketball and has won at every level throughout a decorated career. I was proud to work with Chris over five seasons at Cleveland State and was always impressed by his relentless attention to detail, his competitive drive, and his commitment to partnering with administration to foster the development of the student-athletes in his program. I look forward to following his success as a Bobcat!

Scott Garrett, Senior Deputy Athletics Director - Wake Forest University
(Cleveland State Vice President and Athletics Director 2019-2024)

Having worked alongside Chris at Cleveland State, I saw firsthand how talented of a leader he is. He was able to create a new standard during his time with the Vikings and took that program to heights it hadn't seen before. With his ability to recruit, develop and mentor student-athletes at a high level, Chris has had success at every step of his career, and I have no doubt that he will continue that at Texas State.

Dennis Gates, Missouri Men's Basketball Head Coach  

This is an exciting time for Texas State Athletics and their fans as they move into the Pac-12.  Chris is a great coach to lead them into this new challenge.  He is a proven winner at every place he has been and he will bring that passion and work ethic to Texas State WBB!

Bill Fennelly, Iowa State Women's Basketball Head Coach

Chris is a fantastic hire! I have known him for many years, and his teams have always played really hard, gritty, and disciplined! He is a great teacher of the game and values relationships. There is a reason he consistently wins, and he will do the same at Texas State!

-Robin Pingeton, Wisconsin Women's Basketball Head Coach

Chris is a tremendous fit for Texas State. He coaches with passion and expertise. He's a proven winner at every stop in his career. Chris will get the job done with positive energy, leadership and integrity. His teams always play with great effort, suffocating defense and strong basketball IQ. Chris will be an active member in the San Marcos community and will be a great asset for the athletics department and Texas State University!

-Lane Lord, UTRGV Women's Basketball Head Coach

I'm really excited for Chris with his move to Texas State. We have worked together on multiple WBCA groups and he's always been thoughtful, professional, and collaborative. He has done a great job at Cleveland State and no doubt will continue to succeed at Texas State. I'm looking forward to joining the Pac-12 together.

Lisa Fortier, Gonzaga Women's Basketball Head Coach