Michigan State Athletics Announces Kristen Kelsay Contract Extension
12/29/2025 12:00:00 PM | Volleyball
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State athletics announced a one-year contract extension for head volleyball coach Kristen Kelsay Monday. With the extension, Kelsay's contract now runs through 2031.
"In her first season guiding Michigan State volleyball, Kristen Kelsay quickly established a winning culture on and off the court," said Michigan State Vice President and Director of Athletics J Batt. "We are excited to watch the program continue to grow and strive for new levels of success under her leadership."
"I am incredibly grateful to President Kevin Guskiewicz and Director of Athletics J Batt for the opportunity to represent Michigan State University for years to come," said Kelsay. "Being a Spartan is a privilege, and I am honored to lead the women of Michigan State volleyball. I am humbled by the support of our athletic department and the entire Spartan family. Year one laid the foundation for the success of this program for years to come. I am so grateful for our people - my staff, the student-athletes, and our community. I look forward to continuing to build this program every day with our values and a shared mission."Â
Kelsay, who completed her first season as head coach in 2025, led MSU to its most wins since 2017 with an 18-12 overall record. The Spartans opened the season with a 10-0 mark in non-conference play, the program's first time going undefeated in non-conference action since 2012 and fourth time overall. MSU was one of eight Division I schools and one of two Big Ten programs to go unbeaten in non-conference play in 2025, while the 10-0 record marked the best start for a head coach in their first season at MSU.
MSU earned its first sweep against a ranked opponent since 2017 in 2025 with a 3-0 win against No. 20 Indiana and swept Michigan in East Lansing for the first time since 2015. The Spartans also posted their best team hitting efficiency (.222), kills per set (12.83), assists per set (11.99) and service aces per set (1.71) since 2017. Individually, junior Karolina Staniszewska was named Second Team All-Big Ten and was an American Volleyball Coaches Association Honorable Mention All-Region selection, while setter Malayah Long was twice named Big Ten Freshman of the Week.
Nine Spartans earned Academic All-Big Ten honors, and junior Zuzanna Kulig earned Academic All-District honors from the College Sports Communicators (CSC).
