Kelly Roysland Curry represents what has become a rare commodity in college sports: women coaching women. Kelly earned a bachelor’s in sport management and a master’s in applied kinesiology while playing on the 2004-2007 Gopher basketball team. Kelly was a four-time letterwinner, leading the Gophers to the NCAA final four and winning several individual recognitions, including academic All-Big Ten. She returned to her alma mater for a few years as assistant and interim basketball coach, and then was hired as head coach at Macalester College. Kelly is the youngest female coach and second youngest coach in their conference. The Scots doubled their previous win total in just her second season. Kelly is committed to mentorship of emerging women leaders, and has been involved with the TeamWomenMN professional networking group for many years.
Head Women's Basketball Coach, Macalester College
BS Sport Management, 2007; MEd Applied Kinesiology, 2009
Positive Coaching Alliance, Open Arms MN
NCAA Final Four, Sweet 16 and First Round Appearances. All Big Ten - Senior Year. Presidential Leadership Award. Patty Berg Legacy Award Winner.
Dr. Mary Jo Kane, Dr. Jo Ann Buysse and Dr. Nicole Lavoi were all very influential during my time in CEHD. I particularly enjoyed my Sport and Society class as well as my Sport Psych class.
Being a part of the CEHD community and around strong, female professors on a daily basis showed me that I could impact women in a leadership role one day. I knew my best avenue for that was coaching. I still value the relationships that I have with my college professors and I enjoy following their work to this day and applying it in my program (i.e. Dr. Buysse - Title IV research; Dr. Lavoi - Women and Coaching research; Dr Kane - Tucker Center).
Competing in the NCAA Final Four my freshman year and all the wonderful memories I had playing basketball in the Barn! Having Dr. Mary Jo Kane for a professor was also a highlight!
My parents have been most inspirational in my life and coaching career. They have over 50 years of combined coaching experience and a lot of my coaching philosophies, beliefs and strategies generated from things I learned from them. My husband Eric has also been a huge inspiration as he has been involved with the game of basketball for a long time as an NCAA official. He is my biggest fan and constant support system.
Grit, discipline, ability to connect with people and a forward thinking mindset!
In my free time I enjoy fitness activities (primarily running, golfing and water skiing), trying new recipes, grabbing coffee with a friend & traveling with my husband and son.
Easy going, good sense of humor, organized and a person that likes to keep things light! My husband did chime in that I am a good wife and mother to our son Brekken....I guess I will take it:)
I see myself as fun loving person and coach, a jokester (when the time is right), someone that likes to make others feel happy and good about themselves, disciplined and prepared.
Mindset by Carol Dweck. Grit by Angela Duckworth
Pat Summit - She was a trailblazer for women in coaching. What I admire most about her was that she coached with passion and fire that was mesmerizing. Not only is she one of the most successful coaches of all time (male or female), but her players clearly loved playing for her...and that is what is most important!
Working with smart and talented young women everyday! They challenge me, open me up to new ways of thinking and always keep me in the loop on the latest and greatest trends and worldly topics.
I always thought I would grow up to be a teacher and coach in Fosston, MN (where I grew up). I guess half of that early childhood dream came true!
I value networking opportunities with other colleagues in my profession or the sports industry, attending conferences, watching basketball of successful teams on television & reading a lot! Whether it's a short article, blog or book, I know I can always take away something and apply it to my program or life.
I had a hole in one and an albatross (double eagle) in the same week!