Lindsey Vande Hoef, a longtime assistant basketball coach who has been part of several successful programs, is Lakeland's new head women's basketball coach.

The Horicon, Wis., native played on the Division III level at Carroll, and has worked as an assistant in the junior college Division I and NAIA Division II levels.

She replaces Teri Johnston, who stepped down in February after four seasons and a 64-42 overall record. The Muskies were 10-15 this past season, 7-12 in the Northern Athletics Conference.

She comes to Lakeland after serving four years as an assistant at Iowa Western Community College. The Lady Reivers were 89-35 during her tenure, and this year's squad finished 28-3 and was ranked third in the nation in NJCAA Division I. The program produced 17 academic all-regional players, nine all-region and three academic all-American players during her four seasons.

Vande Hoef takes over a team that struggled through major injuries this past season. The program has made six NCAA Tournament appearances and won nine of its 13 conference championships in the last 15 seasons. Vande Hoef is thrilled to be part of that tradition.

"I've always been familiar with Lakeland's program and its great tradition, and I'm grateful that the college is entrusting me with the program's future," Vande Hoef said.

There have been other opportunities to apply for head coaching positions the last several seasons, but Vande Hoef said she held off, preferring to pursue a job that would be a good fit.

"This feels like the right fit with perfect timing," Vande Hoef said. "Based on the relatively short time I've spent on campus, I immediately felt a great deal of support and excitement for the program. It's going to be easier for me to get started with that support surrounding the program."

Lakeland athletic director Jane Bouche said the college is excited to usher in a new era for its women's basketball program. Vande Hoef will be the first coach in 17 seasons who is not an alumna of the college and the program.

"Lindsey is a great fit for Lakeland," Bouche said. "She brings a strong foundation that's been shaped by some talented coaches and solid programs. We're going to enjoy watching her grow into this role as we work to continue our tradition."

Vande Hoef said she plans to take full advantage of her access to former head coaches Bouche and April Arvan, the program's all-time wins leader who now serves Lakeland as a full-time faculty member.

"I've gotten to know April over the years, and I really admire her," Vande Hoef said. "I'll look to her for guidance and support. Having access to Jane is also such a plus, and I'll rely on her to guide me as well."

Vande Hoef spent the 2005-07 as a women's basketball graduate assistant at the University of Sioux Falls. She served as head coach for the junior varsity squad and was heavily involved in the Cougars' recruiting efforts.

Prior to Sioux Falls, Vande Hoef was an assistant coach for two seasons at Cardinal Stritch in Milwaukee. Vande Hoef helped lead Stritch to a school-record 31 wins in 2004, and the team qualified for the NAIA National Tournament both seasons, advancing to the Sweet Sixteen round in 2005.

Vande Hoef was a four-year starting point guard at Carroll. She led the team in assists during her junior and senior years, and is the career record holder for single-game steals with nine.

She graduated from Carroll in 2003 with a degree in fitness-management. She earned a master's in business administration from Sioux Falls in 2007.