Northwest Nazarene tipped off a new era on the hardwood by introducing Brian Holsinger as the sixth head women's basketball coach for the Crusaders.

"I'm thrilled to be here and excited about this new opportunity," Holsinger said as he began his first day on campus on Monday. "I'm excited to be part of the amazing Christian environment here at NNU."

Holsinger brings 16 years of experience with him to the Crusader bench, a career that included a two-year tenure as the head coach at NAIA Division I Montana Tech, as well as a season as the associate head coach at NCAA Division I Washington State.

"Brian is a very talented coach and recruiter who has proven he can develop winners on the court," said Kelli Lindley, NNU athletic director. "I have no doubt he has the work ethic, character, and skills needed to establish a championship caliber NCAA Division II team here at NNU."

Championships are a major driving force for Holsinger, too.

"The goal is to win the conference because if you can win the conference, I believe you have a chance to win it all," he said.

Winning will be just part of a much bigger and more successful program as Holsinger wants to build a unique family atmosphere for his team.

"I'm really excited about building a culture here that girls want to be a part of something that's unique and different, because I think NNU is unique and different," he said.

Lindley is pleased with the choice of coach.

"We are fortunate to hire someone with such a passion for developing excellence in young adults while still understanding the balance required of student-athletes in regards to athletics, academics, and spiritual growth," she said.

That balance was a big draw for Holsinger, who was eager to build a program based in a strong Christian and family environment.

He admits could have moved to a larger program in the PAC 12 as an assistant, "but the idea of running my own program and leading my own program again is exciting."

"I'm excited to put some of those things I've learned, both good and bad, to use," Holsinger said.

Holsinger was the associate head coach at Washington State University for the 2014-2015 season after spending the previous seven years as an assistant with the Cougars. Before that, he spent two years as the head man at Montana Tech (2005-2006 and 2006-2007), where he led the Orediggers to the program's first-ever NAIA Top 25 ranking and a win over NCAA Division I Montana State. Holsinger began his collegiate coaching career began as an assistant at The Master's (California), where he worked from 1999-2005.

Holsinger's background coaching up and down the West Coast will benefit him on the recruiting trail, and he brings experience recruiting in Europe and Australia, as well.

A 1999 graduate of Western Washington with a degree in biology with minors in chemistry and business administration, Holsinger also knows the GNAC, having played in the conference.

He began his collegiate playing career at Pacific University (Oregon).

Now living in Meridian, Idaho, Holsinger is married to Stacey, and the couple have two girls, Brooklyn and Quinn, and one son, Kellen.

--Northwest Nazarene University