Women's Golf | August 24

DeKALB, Ill.-- Northern Illinois University Vice President and Director of Athletics Sean T. Frazier announced a multi-year contract extension for Huskie Women's Golf head coach Kim Kester.
 
Kester signed an extension that will keep her at the helm of the NIU women's golf program through June of 2029.
 
"We are very happy about Coach Kester's commitment to continue leading NIU women's golf," said Frazier. "She has built a program that has consistently competed for championships while also succeeding in the classroom. Kim's hard work and integrity have created strong foundations for Huskie women's golf, and we look forward to her continued leadership."

Kester has led the Huskie women's golf program since the 2012-13 season. Under Kester's tenure, the NIU record book has been completely rewritten, from the team scoring average to lowest 18, 36 and 54-hole team scores to individual scoring averages and All-MAC selections. The 2021-22 season ended with Jasmine Ly becoming the first NIU player to compete in a NCAA Regional Tournament after completing a wire-to-wire run to the MAC medalist trophy, the first in school history.
 
Kester was the MAC Co-Coach of the Year in 2021 and earned the honor individually in 2022 after the Huskies' fifth consecutive top-three finish. NIU's top 10 career and single-season scoring averages are all owned by Kester-coached players, with nine Huskies earning All-MAC honors under her leadership.

The Huskies put together strong seasons in 2024-25 and 2025-26, consistently competing near the top of the conference. The Huskies recorded several top finishes throughout the regular season and capped 2024-25 with a fourth-place finish at the MAC Championship. NIU was represented at the PGA Works Collegiate Championship in 2025 and earned numerous academic honors from the conference, College Sports Communicators, and Women's Golf Coaches Association.
 
"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue leading NIU Golf," noted Kester. "This extension reflects the hard work and commitment of our athletes, alumni, donors and everyone who has supported this program. I am excited to continue developing outstanding student-athletes, competing for championships, and representing NIU with pride."

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