SOUTH WAYNE — Kirsten Eckerman, of South Wayne, recently accepted the head women’s basketball position at Blackhawk Technical College (BTC). The college announced on Feb. 28 that it would join the National Junior College Athletics Association (NJCAA) in Region 4 at the Division II level. Women’s basketball is one of six inaugural sports, including men’s golf, co-ed clay target, women’s volleyball, co-ed bowling and men’s basketball.

“It is a true honor to be a part of the BTC sports family,” Eckerman said. “I absolutely love basketball. I used to have the goal of being on Pat Summitt’s coaching staff. That ship set sail a long time ago, but I can assure you that you will see a lot of her style in our play.”

Eckerman grew up in Danville, Ohio, where she began playing basketball in second grade. At the high school level, Eckerman was a four-year varsity letter winner and three-year starter for her basketball team. She was a multi-year all-conference and all-district athlete. Eckerman continued her athletic career at the College of Wooster.

Eckerman lives in South Wayne with her husband and two high school children, who are avid wrestlers. She is a member of the faculty at BTC, where she teaches Nursing. In her free time, Eckerman runs a roadside stand, selling items from her garden and beehives. Her family farm name is Quit Yer Belly Achin’ Acres, where they raise Berkshire hogs, beef and chicken.