In April 2023, West Virginia University (WVU) appointed Mark Kellogg as the seventh head coach of its women’s basketball program, aiming to build upon the team’s legacy of success. citeturn0search0

 

**Coaching Background and Achievements**

 

Kellogg arrived in Morgantown with an impressive coaching résumé. Prior to joining WVU, he spent eight seasons at Stephen F. Austin (SFA), where he amassed a 195-55 record, achieving a winning percentage of .780. Under his leadership, the Ladyjacks secured six consecutive postseason appearances, clinched two regular-season conference championships, and won two tournament championships. His teams consistently demonstrated excellence, with seven straight seasons of 23 or more victories. citeturn0search0

 

Before his tenure at SFA, Kellogg coached at West Texas A&M for two seasons, leading the team to a 62-6 record. His guidance propelled the Lady Buffs to a Division II runner-up finish in 2014 and an Elite Eight appearance in 2015. Kellogg’s coaching journey also includes stints at Northwest Missouri State and Fort Lewis College, where he consistently elevated programs and achieved notable successes. citeturn0search0

 

**Coaching Philosophy and Early Impact at WVU**

 

Kellogg is renowned for his defensive coaching philosophy, emphasizing pressure defense to disrupt opponents. He believes that the two weakest skills in the women’s game are passing and ball-handling, and his strategy focuses on exploiting these areas. He advocates for coaches to have conviction in their chosen defensive systems, whether man-to-man or zone, and to stick with them even when facing challenges. citeturn0search5

 

In his inaugural season at WVU, Kellogg’s defensive strategies have yielded positive results. The Mountaineers have demonstrated strong defensive metrics, including ranking 16th nationally in scoring defense, allowing an average of 50.5 points per game. They are also second in the nation in three-point defense, limiting opponents to a 17.8% success rate. Additionally, the team ranks seventh in steals per game, averaging 14.2, and is tied for 11th in turnovers forced per game, with an average of 24. citeturn0search5

 

**Vision for WVU Women’s Basketball**

 

Kellogg has expressed enthusiasm about joining the Mountaineer family and is committed to continuing the tradition of excellence in WVU women’s basketball. He aims to build a program that competes for championships and develops student-athletes who make the university and the state of West Virginia proud. citeturn0search0

 

Under Kellogg’s leadership, the Mountaineers are poised to enhance their competitiveness within the Big 12 Conference and on the national stage. His proven track record of success, combined with his defensive coaching philosophy, positions WVU women’s basketball for a promising future.

 

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