MT. PLEASANT — Central Michigan Athletics and Head Women’s Basketball Coach Kristin Haynie agreed to a two-year contract extension that will run through the 2028-29 season. Zyzelewski Family Vice President and Director of Athletics Amy Folan announced the new multi-year deal Tuesday.
Haynie has led a turnaround for the Chippewas, improving the team from six wins in her first year to 16 victories so far this season. The program recently clinched its second consecutive Mid-American Conference Tournament berth following a 70-67 win over rival Western Michigan on Saturday.
Central Michigan currently holds fourth place in the MAC standings with a 10-three league record and 16-eight overall mark. The program has reached as high as No. 87 in the NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET) rankings this season after finishing outside the top 300 during the 2023-24 season. Before Haynie arrived in 2022-23, the Chippewas were tied for 11th in the league at four-14 and six-23 overall.
Folan, the Family vice president and director of athletics, noted the impact Haynie has had on the program’s direction during her third year. “Under her vision and leadership, Kristin continues to build our program to be a leader in the Mid-American Conference,” Folan said. “In her third season here, she has elevated the trajectory of our program.”
On Nov. 30, the Chippewas defeated Purdue 57-55 after trailing by 16 points in the second half. It was the program’s first victory over a Big Ten Conference opponent since 2018. During Haynie’s first season, the team also broke a 34-game road losing streak and a 20-game MAC losing streak.
Recruiting efforts led by Haynie brought in players such as Ayanna-Sarai Darrington and Madi Morson. Morson, who was named the 2025 MAC Freshman of the Year, is considered a frontrunner for the 2026 MAC Player of the Year award.
Before becoming head coach, Haynie served as an assistant at Central Michigan from 2014 to 2017 and at Michigan State from 2019 to 2023. As a player for Michigan State, she became the all-time leader in career steals and later won a WNBA championship with the Sacramento Monarchs. Folan highlighted how those experiences informed Haynie’s coaching style. “As a Michigan girl that learned basketball here, played in the national championship game and won a WNBA Championship, Kristin has combined all her experiences, knowledge, work ethic and skills into building a program that all Chippewas can be proud of,” Folan said.
Haynie expressed appreciation for the support from the university administration, including President Neil MacKinnon and the Board of Trustees. “I’m excited to keep growing this program in a way that represents Central Michigan University at the highest level,” Haynie said. “I’m grateful for the support and trust of our administration, staff, players and community. Together, we’re building this program back to a championship level.”
Central Michigan travels to Oxford, Ohio, on Wednesday to face Miami (OH) in a matchup of two of the top four teams in the MAC. The game is scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m. on ESPN+.