MANKATO, Minn.-- Bethany Lutheran College head women's basketball coach Lyle Jones announced today that Emma Purfeerst (pronounced PURR-fest) has been named associate head coach of the program.

"In a very short time, Emma has proven to be a great coach in all areas of the game, from recruiting, scouting and player development to on court instruction and strategy," said Jones.

Purfeerst enters her fourth season at Bethany and has helped coach the Vikings to consecutive regular season conference championships, their three-peat of UMAC conference tournament championships, and their first appearance in the NCAA Tournament. She has mentored seven All-Conference players, two UMAC Players of the Year, three All-Region players, and one All-American.

"Emma represents our program with class, integrity, excellence and is a strong mentor to our young female student-athletes," said Jones. "She is a highly motivated young coach, who is passionate about her craft, and was extremely instrumental in our recent success of NCAA national tournament appearances.  She will be a tremendous asset for our program for years to come."
 
Purfeerst is a WBCA member, she recently completed the NCAA Women Coaches Academy Class #50, has been involved with the WBCA Coach to Coach mentorship program for the past two years, and is a WeCOACH member. She also serves as an adjunct instructor at Bethany in biology, exercise science, and physical education.

BLC has set nine new team season records in her tenure. The Vikings open the 2021-22 season on Saturday, November 6 at Carleton at 7 p.m.