How a former UW-Platteville football coach is in the zone, proving gender is just a word

For Kearstin Schweitzer, being "first" is both familiar and celebrated. A quick search on YouTube reveals several inspiring interviews showcasing her groundbreaking accomplishments as a football coach. Currently, Schweitzer serves as the first female position coach at Valparaiso University, a historic milestone in their league.

Her journey toward breaking barriers in coaching began at Lakeland University, where she made history as the first female coach in their football program, taking on multiple roles. From there, Schweitzer came to UW-Platteville, where she became the first female coach in Pioneer history while also earning a Master of Science in sports administration on campus. Despite her numerous accomplishments, she remains focused on the present and the opportunities that lie ahead.

"Being the first female position coach in Valparaiso's history is a privilege," said Schweitzer. "I want to create a pipeline for those who wish to follow in these footsteps. There are so many incredible female football coaches at both the college and professional levels and being part of that community while witnessing the growth of our profession is an amazing feeling."

Before joining Valparaiso, Schweitzer gained valuable experience with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where she participated in the National Coaching Academy Fellowship and worked closely with renowned coaches. That experience holds a special place in her journey after being selected as one of five coaches to return to Tampa Bay for training camp after her last season with UW-Platteville.

"Working with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers prepared me for my role at Valparaiso University as the running backs coach by allowing me to meet and learn from top coaches," reflected Schweitzer. "I started in the wide receiver room and then transitioned to the running back room, so I could learn more about that position and work closely with Running Backs Coach Skip Peete, who has an impressive resume in the league."

From 2021 to May 2024, Schweitzer served in various roles at UW-Platteville, including director of football operations and assistant wide receivers coach. She believes that earning her master's degree was key to her growth as both a coach and a professional.

"UW-Platteville shaped my career path by giving me the chance to step out of my comfort zone, learn new things and challenge myself to become a better individual," said Schweitzer.

Her impact at UW-Platteville didn't go unnoticed. Coaches remember her contributions fondly.

"Kearstin epitomizes what it means to be a Pioneer," said UW-Platteville Head Football Coach Ryan Munz. "It's no surprise to us that she's the first female position coach in the Pioneer League. We've seen first-hand her ability to teach, challenge and encourage her position group, along with handling day-to-day operations within our program. She has no ceiling, and we're excited to watch her continued success."

Schweitzer's influence extended beyond the football program. Her commitment and work ethic impressed faculty and staff throughout the university.

"Coach Kea is one of the hardest-working people I know," said UW-Platteville Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Performance Michael Martin. "Her thirst for learning is second to none. On a personal level, she made my job easier by helping me coordinate nutrition plans, travel schedules, and more. Kearstin took on a variety of responsibilities here, and it's exciting to see her experiencing success."

Faculty members in the sports administration department were equally impressed with her discipline.

"It didn't take long for me to realize that the hard work and dedication Kearstin shows on the field and in the film room is mirrored in her academic studies," recalled Matt Fencl, Health and Human Performance professor and Sport Administration Graduate Program coordinator. "It's no surprise that she's already achieved remarkable things early in her career, and I'm confident she'll achieve even more."

For Schweitzer, her master's degree played a crucial role in her development as a coach.

"The master's program at UW-Platteville expanded my knowledge beyond just the 'X's and O's' and taught me what it means to be a sports professional," Schweitzer explained. "It helped me learn how to be a more effective leader, understand special topics and broaden my skill set within the sports industry."

She admits the initial challenge of being a female football coach was learning the game without having played it. Through film study and observation, she has overcome this obstacle.

"The most obvious challenge is being the only female in the room and the first female coach at a program," said Schweitzer. "There's always a learning curve when you're the first female coach, but with the right communication, those challenges can be easily overcome. Communicating with athletes is different, but as long as you can 'talk ball' with them, that challenge fades."

Her ability to communicate effectively with her team is an important part of her playbook on and off the field.

"Working with Kearstin has been a privilege," said Valparaiso Quarterback Coach Gibran Hamdan. "Her approach is focused and deliberate, and she brings a level of thoughtfulness and adaptability to her role that truly sets her apart. She consistently anticipates challenges and addresses them with practical solutions, making her a steadying force for our team. Kearstin's ability to guide and prepare our running backs to perform at a high level is a testament to her expertise and dedication. She's a critical part of what makes our offensive staff successful."

True to the Pioneer spirit, Schweitzer is committed to paving the way for the next generation of female coaches.

"I hope to inspire young female athletes by showing them that their competitive nature is a strength and their passion for sports is an advantage in coaching and sports careers," said Schweitzer. "Many young female athletes already possess the qualities needed in this profession: adaptability, resilience and determination. If their heart and goals align, they can be an unstoppable force in the industry."

Her ultimate goal is to become a head coach at the collegiate level, but for now, Schweitzer is proud to embody the word "first" on the field, like a true Pioneer.

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