Western Michigan University Names Kate Achter as Head Women’s Basketball Coach

KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- Western Michigan University Vice President/Director of Athletics Dan Bartholomae has announced the hiring of Kate Achter as the new head coach of the WMU women's basketball program. Achter, a proven program builder, is responsible for the largest turnaround in program history at Loyola Chicago, going from 2-28 to 18-12, and at Detroit Mercy, taking a 1-29 team to 32 wins over two seasons. She is known to be a relentless recruiter and brings a wealth of coaching experience, player development expertise, and an intimate knowledge of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) as a former standout at Bowling Green State University.

 

"Success at Western Michigan University has always been built on hard work, grit, and an unwavering belief amidst adversity. In my conversations with Kate, it was clear she embodied those traits and it is evident in her body of work", said Vice President/Director of Athletics Dan Bartholomae. "In addition to leading two programs to their largest turnarounds in history, she has coached at the highest levels of some of the country's elite basketball conferences in the Big East and Atlantic 10. She is a tremendous example of student-athlete success in the MAC for our team, as a four-time MAC Champion, All-American, and Hall of Famer at Bowling Green State University. We welcome Kate, Tina, Reese, and Archie to the Bronco Family."

 

Before Western Michigan, Achter served as the head coach at Detroit Mercy, where she orchestrated a remarkable and nationally recognized turnaround. She led a program that had won an average of 2 games annually over 5 years prior to her arrival to 32 wins in 2 years. In her second season, she led UDM to a 17-15 record in 2023-24, marking the program's first winning season since 2016-17. Under her leadership, Detroit Mercy recorded marquee wins over league powerhouses Cleveland State and Purdue Fort Wayne, and earned its first postseason victory in the Horizon League Championship since 2017.

 

Prior to her time in Detroit, Achter spent six seasons as the head coach at Loyola Chicago, guiding the Ramblers from a two-win season in her first year to an 18-12 mark in her final campaign—the program's best record in over three decades. Her tenure saw Loyola earn its first-ever postseason berth in the Women's Basketball Invitational and produce multiple All-Conference selections.

 

She has also served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Xavier and St. Bonaventure, helping both programs secure postseason appearances and a NCAA Sweet 16 berth with the Bonnies.

 

Achter's ties to the Midwest run deep and she has built a strong recruiting network across Ohio, Illinois, and Michigan with deep ties in key areas such as Chicago and Detroit. Her ability to identify and attract top talent has been instrumental in shaping competitive rosters, while seamlessly blending high school talent with impactful transfers. She has balanced player development with strategic roster construction, ensuring both immediate success and long-term program stability.

A decorated player and Honorable Mention All-American at Bowling Green, Achter led the Falcons to four MAC titles and a historic Sweet 16 appearance in 2007. She remains Bowling Green's all-time leader in assists (688) and free throws made (551) and was inducted into the school's Hall of Fame in 2018.

 

"I'd like to thank Dan Bartholomae, Keanah Smith and the hiring committee for this incredible opportunity. The vision for Western Michigan athletics is unmatched, and my family and I couldn't be more grateful to be a part of that," said Achter. "Our program will be a shining reflection of that vision and our players will be some of the toughest, hardest working players in the Mid-American Conference. Winning will not only be a priority here, it will be the standard. The work has already begun, and we are prepared to help take this program to new heights.  I'd like to thank Detroit Mercy for graciously accepting my family and I these last three seasons. It was an honor to lead UDM women's basketball and to be part of the Titan family."

 

Achter earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Bowling Green in 2009 and her Master of Education in 2010. She and her wife, Tina, have two children, Reese and Archie.

 

A formal introduction of Coach Achter will be held Tuesday, April 1 at 2:30pm inside University Arena. This event is open to the public.

Achter's appointment will be official upon completing the University hiring processes

 

 

 

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT KATE ACHTER

Curt Miller

Executive Vice President & General Manager, Dallas Wings

 

"WMU has hit a homerun with the hiring of Kate Achter.  Kate is an elite coach and even a better person.  She understands first hand what it takes to play at a championship level in the MAC and how to energize an entire community. Kate was a natural leader as a player and it has translated onto the sidelines in her coaching career.  WMU and Kalamazoo are adding a special one"

Carrie Moore

Harvard Women's Basketball Head Coach, WMU Athletics Hall of Fame  

"Great news about Kate. That's a home run if you ask me. One of the toughest competitors that I've ever known, as a player and a coach. No doubt she will work tirelessly to get this program back to where it belongs. Great job! Go Broncos!"

Jim Crowley

St. Bonaventure Head Women's Basketball Coach

"Kate Achter will do special things at Western Michigan University.  She is a relentless worker, a terrific motivator, an excellent talent evaluator and a student of the game.  Her knowledge of the MAC conference and her strong roots in the area will allow her to hit the ground running and make an immediate impact.   Kate has won everywhere she has been, and Western Michigan Women's Basketball will be no different."

 

Brandi Poole

Atlanta Dream Assistant Coach

"Kate Achter has won in the MAC at the highest level.  She was one of the best point guards to have played in this league and led our team at Bowling Green to the Sweet Sixteen.  I have no doubt that she will bring that same level of competitiveness and leadership to Western Michigan.  The Broncos have made a home run hire!"

 

Monique Rosati

Director of Operations, Michigan State Women's Basketball

"Kate is a tremendous coach and person who invests in her student athletes and guides them to be successful both in the classroom and on the court. She has a proven track record of building programs and has a great basketball mind. Kate is a true competitor and given her experience as a multi-year champion in the MAC, she knows what it will take for her athletes to achieve success. The Bronco community and alumni will be proud to call Kate Achter their head coach."