LIBERTY, Mo. – William Jewell College announces the hiring of Kyley Bachand as the next head women's basketball coach, beginning June 20.
 
"I am absolutely humbled and honored to be the next head women's basketball coach at William Jewell College," said Bachand. "My family and I would like to thank Athletics Director Tom Eisenhauer, the entire search committee, and the team for their relentless belief in the transformational process that is about to occur on our campus and in the community. There is a rich tradition of authentic engagement that we will work to implement daily in all areas of life. It's time to bring the energy to The Hill and get to work!"
 
Bachand comes to Jewell from Colorado State University where she spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach, helping lead the Rams to a 41-24 record and an appearance in the WNIT. She helped mentor two Mountain West Conference Newcomers of the Year, the 2023 Player of the Year and the first All-American in two decades.
 
Prior to Colorado State, she made stops at Southern Methodist, Eastern Illinois, and Sioux Falls (SD). At EIU, she assisted with the best two-year turnaround in the NCAA, going from three wins in 2018 to 19 in 2020. She spent the 2016-17 season at Sioux Falls where she helped guide the Cougars to a 22-8 record and appearance in the conference tournament final. Following that season, she was honored as one of the Women's Basketball Coaches' Association (WBCA) Thirty Under 30, which recognizes up-and-coming coaches under the age of 30 at all levels.
 
As a player, the former Kyley Simmons, spent her collegiate career between Missouri and Illinois. At Mizzou, she was a 2012 All-Big 12 Freshman Team honoree and 2013 SEC Academic Honor Roll performer as the only player to start all 31 games with a team high 36.2 minutes per game. She spent her final two seasons at Illinois where she started all 60 games, averaging 11 points and 3.4 assists over 36.6 minutes per night. She ranked among the best in NCAA Division I in three-point shooting and was the 2015 recipient of the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award. A native of Council Bluffs, Iowa, she attended Lewis Central High School where she holds records for career assists and single season points and assists.
 
Bachand earned her bachelor's degree in communication from Illinois in 2015 followed by a master's in recreation, sport, and tourism the following year. She is married to husband Seth and has one daughter.
 
A press conference and meet and greet is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, June 20.
 
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT KYLEY BACHAND
 
"I could not be more excited to play for Coach Kyley. I loved her energy, new ideas and excitement the second I met her!" – Emree Zars, sophomore forward
 
"I am super excited for Coach Ky! Her passion, energy and love for the game is exactly what we need in our program. I can't wait for her to be on campus and to get to work!" – Libby Arnold, senior guard
 
"William Jewell is getting a great young coach and even better person. Kyley is a natural leader, and I can't wait to see her lead the Cardinals to new heights. Kyley was great for us at Colorado State, and we wish her nothing but the best in her coaching career." – Ryun Williams, Colorado State University Head Women's Basketball Coach
 
"I am very excited about Kyley Bachand taking on the head coaching position at William Jewell! Since I met Kyley she has been nothing but supportive, relatable and informative. I think she will be a great addition to the program and will be able to help the girls grow as basketball players and young women." – Kiara Bradley, '21
 
"From the moment she stepped on campus, Coach Bachand demonstrated a desire to be at William Jewell and back home in the Midwest. She brings a high level of basketball knowledge, energy, and passion to our program and I'm looking forward to her to becoming a part of our campus community." – JaeLynn Ellison, Assistant Athletics Director for Communication/Senior Woman Administrator
 
"We are thrilled to welcome Coach Bachand to The Hill. I believe her experience coaching at the Division I and II levels in addition to playing at a high level will contribute to her success here at Jewell. She's a proven recruiter and already has established relationships with club and high school coaches in the area." – Tom Eisenhauer, '06, Athletics Director