Former player, Mohns, joins Phoenix coaching staff

By Rich Palzewic

Sports Editor

GREEN BAY – Carly Mohns is coming home.

The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay women’s basketball team recently announced the hiring of the 25-year-old Mohns as an assistant coach.

Mohns, who played for the Phoenix in 2018-19, will be under Head Coach Kevin Borseth.

"We are excited to have Carly back as a Phoenix," Borseth said in a released statement. “She’s going to be a lifer in the coaching business. In some regards, she’s lots like I was when I first got into coaching – give me keys to the gym, and I'll be there. She's had success as an athlete while being a great teammate. She has a good feel for the game, as well as the importance of reaching the players in the process. We look forward to watching her develop as time unfolds."

Mohns, a native of Brodhead, attended the University of Iowa out of high school before transferring to Green Bay for one year.

She started all 32 games during the 2018-19 season and helped the team finish 15-3 in Horizon League play before helping it advance to the tournament title game.

“When I got the job, I was super excited and grateful,” Mohns said. “At the same time, it’s a dream come true. I only got one year to play at Green Bay, but it was my best year. Many of my best memories of playing come from Green Bay.”

Mohns said a big reason she’s happy about coming back to Green Bay is because of Borseth.

“He and I click,” she said. “We have lots of the same hobbies and mindset. In a way, I almost look at him as my own dad. It’s great to be back and be a part of such a great program. I’m excited to learn.”

Mohns said she thinks about her choice to attend Iowa after high school, but she doesn’t dwell on it.

“Things happened (at Iowa) that didn’t go my way, but I’m grateful for going there,” she said. “I don’t have any hard feelings about Iowa, and I appreciate them, but I felt more at home in Green Bay.”

Because she’ll be involved in recruiting, Mohns said she’s hoping she can help influence some of the local talent and the rest of the state to play in Green Bay.

“Many talented athletes are guilty of it, myself included,” she said. “I saw Big Ten at Iowa and saw a name. When you’re 16 or 17 years old, the Big Ten is a big name. For some people, it works, and for others, it doesn’t. It will be great for recruiting because I’ve been there. It’s not about a name, it’s about where your heart tells you to play.”

Following her career at Green Bay, Mohns became the Director of Women's Sports Enhancement Academy (Wisconsin Academy) in Stoughton, while also serving as the junior varsity and varsity assistant coach for Brodhead High School.

Though Mohns hasn’t coached at the collegiate level, she said she felt good about her chances to land the job in Green Bay.

“I applied for it knowing I didn’t have any coaching experience except for high school and AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) and some individual training,” she said. “Being an alumnus of Green Bay also helped. I understand the culture and the program.”

Mohns said it will be “interesting” coaching with Borseth after playing under him.

“Kevin is a great guy and says how it is,” she said. “He’s not going to sugarcoat much. I’d rather hear how it is, compared to have him sugarcoat how it is and still question things. I loved him being my coach, and his style and philosophy are how I’d do it.”

Mohns said her youth will also help.

“Not to say any of our coaches are old,” she laughed, “but me being young will help me relate to the players. I’m fresh out of college and have been where the current players are at. I’ve gone through injuries, not being in the starting lineup and being a starter. Going through those different roles throughout my college career will help me in the long run.”

Mohns replaces Mehryn Kraker, who returned overseas to continue her professional playing career.