University of Northern Iowa Athletics
KK Armstrong: Returning Home
1/21/2017 10:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
It started when she was five years old. The passion, something sparked. Fast forward 20-plus years and the dream has continued for UNI women's basketball assistant coach KK Armstrong. But this year, the ball isn't in her hands, it is in the hands of the young women she gets to help shape into stronger players and better people each and every day.
Armstrong made her return to the University of Northern Iowa campus this fall when she was hired as an assistant coach for the program that she played 128 games, 3,331 minutes and scored 1,276 points for. This weekend, the Panthers host their annual Alumni Weekend, making it a special week for Armstrong as not only a former player, but as a coach.
"My experience back as a coach has been amazing," Armstrong said. "I am truly blessed about the opportunity that has been granted to me. There is nothing more special than returning home and being a part of the same program that I once played for. The community has been more than positive about my return home, which I am also grateful for."
Before the thought of coaching even crossed her mind, Armstrong started her basketball days playing in the YMCA in second grade. It was a family affair for the Armstrongs', with the passion for the game running through her veins.
"If I had to pick the most influential person, it would have to be my grandfather," Armstrong said. "He played basketball in his day and he knew a lot about the game inside and out. I think he saw something in me that a lot of other people didn't."
The Cedar Rapids, Iowa, native played high school ball at Washington High School, helping her team to the 4A state tournament every season she was a part of the team. Her grandfather had a good eye for talent, with Armstrong going on to earn first-team all-state, all-conference and all-district along with setting a school record for single-season steals as a senior.
When it became apparent that Armstrong would have a career after high school, the dream of playing in the "big leagues" became more of a reality.
"Growing up, I always had a goal that I wanted to make it to the big leagues, which is probably every girls dream growing up," she said. "Throughout playing and growing up, I always thought about advancing to the next level."
As a senior at Washington High, Armstrong began the process of choosing a collegiate program she wanted to play for. Although it was an important decision, Armstrong only had a few key requirements. She wanted to stay close to home so that her family could see her play, she wanted an experienced and talented coaching staff, and she wanted to love the team.
She came to campus in 2008 as a freshman and quickly learned that she had landed the trifecta. As a freshman, she played in 29 games, earning MVC all-freshman honors. She went on to earn all-tournament team in 2011 and all-conference in 2012. Armstrong ranks No. 9 in career points (1,276), No. 4 in free throws made (371), No. 4 in assists (380), No. 5 in steals (191) and No. 6 in minutes at UNI.
She was a part of both of UNI's NCAA Tournament appearances, a regular season and two tournament conference titles and a WBI championship game run. The accomplishments on the court are outstanding, the memories she made off the court are unforgettable.
"I had a great four years at UNI," she said. "I definitely learned a lot about myself both as a player and a student. Some of the greatest memories I've had in my life are ones that I shared with my teammates on the basketball court."
After college, Armstrong knew that she wanted to stay close to the game. While working for Hibu, an online marketing business in Cedar Rapids, she also got involved with her high school's basketball programs, assisting with both the sophomore and varsity teams.
"When I was young, I always knew I would want to stay close to the game, whether that meant advancing to the next level playing or as a coach," she said. "Since I didn't have the chance to play overseas, I knew I wanted to get into coaching."
Armstrong graduated from UNI with her degree in criminology in 2012. After helping at Washington High School, it didn't take long for Armstrong to catch the coaching bug. A new passion had been sparked, and a certain head coach took notice. When a position on her staff opened, a call was made.
"Tanya and I went back and forth talking about whether or not I would be interested in coaching collegiately at some point and the opportunity presented itself a lot sooner than I thought it would," Armstrong said. "It is very humbling learning under coach Warren. There is no better person to learn the game under."
Head coach Tanya Warren knows the game. She is a three-time MVC Coach of the Year. She has led the Panthers to two regular season titles, two tournament titles and two NCAA Tournament appearances. She has been at the helm to see the Panthers reach the postseason in six of the last seven seasons and to seven straight seasons with 17 or more wins.
Warren is part of a trio of coaches that include Brad Nelson, who has been at UNI for 17 seasons and Adam DeJoode who is in his eighth. All three were a part of Armstrong's time as a player at UNI, helping influence her to be the person she is today.
"It has been an amazing experience learning from the coaches I once played for," she said. "You definitely get a new prospective about the game itself when working with the individuals that taught me all of the ins and outs as a player and now as a coach."
Armstrong's home has always been Cedar Rapids. It is where she grew up, where she found her passion for the sport of basketball. But her time in Cedar Falls as a player sparked a new flame, and gave her another home to return to.
"UNI has meant so much to me," Armstrong said. "It certainly played a key role in shaping me into who I am today, once as a player and now as a coach. It is a place that has given me an education and now, it is a place that is the stepping stone in paving my career beyond playing. It is truly a place that I will carry in my heart forever."
The Panthers play Loyola tomorrow at 2 p.m. for their Alumni Game where Armstrong will get to remember her time playing on the court, and look forward to her time coaching on the court.