Kusler Named Pierre Boys Basketball Head Coach

PIERRE – Brianna Kusler has been named as the new boys basketball head coach for the Pierre Governors, becoming the first female head coach of a South Dakota boys AA team.

In her first season of coaching in 2020-21, Kusler coached the Governors’ sophomore team.  Kusler was South Dakota’s Miss Volleyball and Miss Basketball during her senior season at Aberdeen Central in 2015-16.  Those Golden Eagle volleyball and basketball teams both won state championships, with the basketball title being the first in the history of the program.  Kusler was also named as South Dakota’s Female Athlete of the Year.

In four seasons at Northern State, Kusler scored 1,129 points, 332 assists, which is fifth in Wolves’ history, and 124 steals, ninth in program history.  She was an All-NSIC selection in her junior and senior seasons.

Kusler replaces Terry Becker, who stepped down after 17 seasons, 201 wins and the 2013 AA state championship.  Pierre was 7-13 in 2021, a six-win improvement from the previous season.  The Governors return second-team all-state guard Lincoln Kienholz, who averaged 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game this past season as a sophomore.

Kusler said simply that being male or female just does not matter.

Kusler played for legendary head coach Dawn Seiler and said that Seiler has done a lot for her.

Kusler sees great potential in the Governors.

There is respect for Kusler, according to her, but she wants to do all she can to continue that.

Kusler is very thankful for what Becker has done.

Kusler said that even after his great sophomore year, Kienholz is not satisfied.

Kusler was asked how much may be different about how the Governors play.

What will it be like for Kusler to face Aberdeen Central next season?

Kusler isn’t very much older than many of her players.  What kind of a difference may that make?