By Rich Palzewic
Sports Editor
GREEN BAY – University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (UWGB) women’s basketball head coach Kevin Borseth recently announced the addition of former player Mehryn Kraker to his coaching staff ahead of the 2020-21 season.
“Mehryn is passionate about the Green Bay community, the university and our program,” Borseth said. “She grew up here and understands what it takes to be successful at this level. She has always handled herself in a professional manner and can be a resource for our student-athletes. She also brings collegiate and professional experience, which will serve our players and program well. We’re all excited to have Mehryn join our staff.”
Kraker, a 2017 graduate of UWGB, was named the Horizon League Player of the Year and espnW’s Mid-Major Player of the Year during her senior season.
She was selected in the WNBA draft following her final year at UWGB by the Washington Mystics at No. 27 overall, becoming the second player in program history to accomplish that feat.
“I’m happy to be back,” said Kraker. “Anybody who watched me during my time playing at Green Bay knows how much I loved playing there. To be welcomed back to the community and university means lots to me. It’s awesome, feels rewarding and I’m excited to get back to help these girls.”
She ranks third on the program’s all-time scoring list (1,671 points) and has the record for most three-pointers made in a career (234).
“When I was playing, being able to come back to the university someday would have been an ideal situation, but I didn’t think it would become a reality,” she said. “I always knew I wanted to coach after my playing career ended, so for that to be at Green Bay for my first job is surreal.”
Kraker, who graduated from West Allis Central High School near Milwaukee, averaged 12.9 points overall per contest during her 130 career collegiate games.
She tallied 581 points during the 2016-17 season, which is third all-time in program history.
“We were successful that year because we were close as a team and had fun together,” said Kraker. “That translated to success on the court. We fought through adversity together.”
After getting waived by the Mystics, Kraker played professionally in Spain for three years but said she’s happy to be back in the area.
“It was competitive and awesome playing in Spain, but I’m ready for a new chapter,” she said. “I’ll be here to support and encourage the girls and get them confident and ready to play. Maybe I can introduce them to some different skills, too. Coach Borseth is in touch with his players and understands them. I want to see Green Bay succeed and see the players enjoy their time.”