ST. LOUIS – Maryville University Director of Athletics Brittany C. Fennell announced that Kayla Verstraete has been named head coach of the Saints women's bowling program. Verstraete comes to Maryville after a standout career at the University of Nebraska, where she was a four-time NTCA All-American and an NCAA National Champion.

"We are excited to welcome Kayla Verstraete to Maryville University," Fennell said. "From the early stages in the hiring process, her passion and energy to coach this team was evident. The genuine enthusiasm combined with her commitment to enriching the experiences of our student-athletes, makes her an outstanding fit for our department."

As a member of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Verstraete captured the 2020-21 NCAA National title and capped her career with first-team NTCA All-American honors. In her final year, she averaged 209.07 and competed in every tournament for the Huskers, recording five individual top-15 finishes and a runner-up finish at the Nebraska-hosted Big Red Invitational.

"I'm truly honored and incredibly excited to be joining the Maryville as a coach," Verstraete said. "For me, coaching is about building relationships, helping athletes believe in themselves, and being there to support them through every step of their journey. To have the opportunity to do that while being part of the growth of women's bowling is something to which I'm especially grateful."

Through her entire career, Verstraete was a consistent and powerful piece of the nationally recognized Cornhuskers program, with herself breaking out in the 2020-21 season. That year saw Verstraete earn her first NTCA All-American honors, going on to earn such honors every year after.

"Women's bowling has so much talent, passion, and potential, and I'm excited to play a small part in helping elevate the sport and create more opportunities for the women who are coming through," Verstraete added. "I want to help our athletes grow not only as bowlers, but as people, and hopefully inspire the next generation to see what's possible for them in this sport. I'm incredibly proud to be a part of the Saints and excited for the relationships, experiences, and memories we'll build together. I can't wait to get started!"

A native of Loves Park, Ill., Verstraete won Illinois state titles in 2017 and 2018. As a youth bowler, she also captured the 2018 U.S. Singles Championship and national team titles in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

The Saints are set to open the 2026-27 season Friday, Oct. 16, at the Youngstown State-hosted Penguin Classic in Youngstown, Ohio.