2018 Rising Alumni: Kelly Roysland Curry
Kelly Roysland Curry represents what has become a rare commodity in college sports: women coaching women. Kelly earned a bachelor’s in sport management and a master’s in applied kinesiology while playing on the 2004-2007 Gopher basketball team. Kelly was a four-time letterwinner, leading the Gophers to the NCAA final four and winning several individual recognitions, including academic All-Big Ten. She returned to her alma mater for a few years as assistant and interim basketball coach, and then was hired as head coach at Macalester College. Kelly is the youngest female coach and second youngest coach in their conference. The Scots doubled their previous win total in just her second season. Kelly is committed to mentorship of emerging women leaders, and has been involved with the TeamWomenMN professional networking group for many years.
Employer
Head Women's Basketball Coach, Macalester College
CEHD Degree
BS Sport Management, 2007; MEd Applied Kinesiology, 2009
Please list any past or current volunteer activities.
Positive Coaching Alliance, Open Arms MN
Please list any awards or honors from your collegiate, professional, or volunteer experiences.
NCAA Final Four, Sweet 16 and First Round Appearances. All Big Ten - Senior Year. Presidential Leadership Award. Patty Berg Legacy Award Winner.
What professor(s) or course(s) were most influential during your time in CEHD?
Dr. Mary Jo Kane, Dr. Jo Ann Buysse and Dr. Nicole Lavoi were all very influential during my time in CEHD. I particularly enjoyed my Sport and Society class as well as my Sport Psych class.
What was the impact and benefit of your educational experience in CEHD?
Being a part of the CEHD community and around strong, female professors on a daily basis showed me that I could impact women in a leadership role one day. I knew my best avenue for that was coaching. I still value the relationships that I have with my college professors and I enjoy following their work to this day and applying it in my program (i.e. Dr. Buysse - Title IV research; Dr. Lavoi - Women and Coaching research; Dr Kane - Tucker Center).
What is your favorite memory from the University of Minnesota?
Competing in the NCAA Final Four my freshman year and all the wonderful memories I had playing basketball in the Barn! Having Dr. Mary Jo Kane for a professor was also a highlight!
Who has inspired you the most during your career?
My parents have been most inspirational in my life and coaching career. They have over 50 years of combined coaching experience and a lot of my coaching philosophies, beliefs and strategies generated from things I learned from them. My husband Eric has also been a huge inspiration as he has been involved with the game of basketball for a long time as an NCAA official. He is my biggest fan and constant support system.
What skills are important to succeed as an emerging professional today?
Grit, discipline, ability to connect with people and a forward thinking mindset!
What are your hobbies?
In my free time I enjoy fitness activities (primarily running, golfing and water skiing), trying new recipes, grabbing coffee with a friend & traveling with my husband and son.
How do others describe you?
Easy going, good sense of humor, organized and a person that likes to keep things light! My husband did chime in that I am a good wife and mother to our son Brekken....I guess I will take it:)
How do you describe yourself?
I see myself as fun loving person and coach, a jokester (when the time is right), someone that likes to make others feel happy and good about themselves, disciplined and prepared.
What's a good book you'd recommend to others?
Mindset by Carol Dweck. Grit by Angela Duckworth
If you could have coffee with anyone from history, who would it be?
Pat Summit - She was a trailblazer for women in coaching. What I admire most about her was that she coached with passion and fire that was mesmerizing. Not only is she one of the most successful coaches of all time (male or female), but her players clearly loved playing for her...and that is what is most important!
What gets you excited about work?
Working with smart and talented young women everyday! They challenge me, open me up to new ways of thinking and always keep me in the loop on the latest and greatest trends and worldly topics.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I always thought I would grow up to be a teacher and coach in Fosston, MN (where I grew up). I guess half of that early childhood dream came true!
Outside of your job, how do you grow professionally?
I value networking opportunities with other colleagues in my profession or the sports industry, attending conferences, watching basketball of successful teams on television & reading a lot! Whether it's a short article, blog or book, I know I can always take away something and apply it to my program or life.
What is a "fun fact" about you?
I had a hole in one and an albatross (double eagle) in the same week!