Valparaiso women's basketball head coach Tracey Dorow announced today that Kurt Westendorp has been promoted from assistant coach to associate head coach, while Paige Mesalam has joined the Crusader staff as director of basketball operations.

Westendorp, a Valparaiso alum, has been an assistant coach for Dorow for the past three years - two seasons at Ferris State, where he helped guide the Bulldogs to the GLIAC North Division title and a second round appearance in the 2012 NCAA Division II Tournament, and last season in Dorow's first year at Valparaiso. Prior to joining Dorow's staff, Westerndorp spent three seasons as head women's basketball coach at Albion College, posting a 48-31 record.

"I have been very, very happy with the job Kurt has done with me over the last three years," said Dorow. "He's really the organization behind the coaching staff - he does a tremendous job keeping us on task. He is also one of the best basketball teachers I have ever been around. He really deserves this promotion because of all he's contributed, both on and off the court."

"I am extremely grateful to Coach Dorow for providing me this opportunity to take on a greater role within the Valparaiso women's basketball program," said Westendorp. "Going into my fourth season working alongside Coach Dorow, I really believe in the way that she puts together a team and runs a program. I am excited for the future of Valpo basketball, and look forward to continuing to help develop our players as we set our sights on being perennial contenders in the Horizon League."

Mesalam comes to Valpo after spending the 2012-13 season at Southern Illinois as a graduate assistant with its women's basketball program. Prior to that, Mesalam was a graduate assistant for basketball support services at Gonzaga for the 2011-12 academic year. A 2010 graduate of Western Kentucky with a degree in corporate and organizational communication, Mesalam spent four seasons as a manager for the Hilltoppers' men's basketball team.

"I’m very excited to join the Valparaiso women’s basketball family and experience everything that Valparaiso has to offer," said Mesalam. "There is such a unique tradition - the university has had such great success and history, and I am thrilled to be part of it. I believe in Coach Dorow’s vision and I am honored to be part of an outstanding staff and future of Valpo women’s basketball."