CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (IOWA’S NEWS NOW SPORTS) — The Kirkwood women’s basketball team has found their replacement for legendary head coach Kim Muhl.
The school announced Friday that Northern Iowa assistant coach Nate Oakland will lead the program, bringing more than 20 years of college coaching experience to the Eagles.
Oakland, a native of Cedar Falls, just finished the fourth season of his second stint with the Panthers. He also coached at UNI from 2006–2009. In between, he spent three seasons as head coach at Upper Iowa. He also led the Coe women’s basketball program for two seasons.
“I am extremely honored and humbled to be named the next Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Kirkwood Community College,” Oakland said in a release on Friday. “Thank you to Dr. Kristie Fisher and to Todd Rima for believing in me. My family and I could not be more excited. I aim to build upon and continue the amazing legacy of Hall of Famer Coach Kim Muhl and will work relentlessly to do so. I cannot wait to get to work and compete for our next championship. Go Eagles!”
Muhl retired last month after a historic career at Kirkwood, leading the program to nine national titles in 37 seasons.
Oakland has also been an assistant at North Dakota State, Coe, Wartburg, and the University of Minnesota Morris.
“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Nate Oakland, his wife, Alex, and their family into our Kirkwood community,” Kirkwood athletic director Todd Rima said in the release. “His commitment to excellence, both on the court and in the classroom, aligns perfectly with our mission. I look forward to working with Coach Nate to continue the championship success in our women’s basketball program.”