Education

B.S. Iowa State and M.S. Minnesota State University at Mankato

Interests

Biking, Swimming, Hiking, and and Golf

Kari Eckheart

Athletics

Kari Eckheart, a 1995 graduate of Iowa State University and a native of Mankato, Minnesota, is entering her 13th season as head volleyball coach at Gustavus. Eckheart has guided the Gusties to a record of 195-146 overall and 71-61 in the MIAC during those tweleve seasons. Last year under Coach Eckheart's direction, the team finished tied for second place in the MIAC with a 9-2 record. They advanced the MIAC Championship game where they were defeated by St. Thomas. They were given a bid into the NCAA tournament where they were defeated in the first round by UW-Eau Claire finishing their season with an overall record of 26-5.

In 2006, Eckheart led the Gusties to a second place conference finish, which earned her MIAC Tri-Coach of the Year honors. While at the helm, Eckheart has had 13 players named all-conference 19 times, two players named MIAC Defensive Player of the Year, and one player named all-region.

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 the Health Promotion Coordinator for all Gustavus employees.

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

Contact Information

Athletics
Gustavus Adolphus College
800 West College Avenue
Saint Peter, MN 56082

Phone: 507-933-6416
E-mail: keckhear@gustavus.edu