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 eleventh season as head volleyball coach at Gustavus. Eckheart has guided the Gusties to a record of 151-133 overall and 56-54 in the MIAC during those ten seasons. Last year under Coach Eckheart's direction, the team finished second in the MIAC with a 9-2 record but fell to St. Benedict in the conference tournament semifinals to finish the year 18-9 overall.

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 responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Lund Center control and information systems. She is also the Health Promotion Coordinator for all Gustavus employees.

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