Keri Mast has been named girls varsity basketball coach for Eastern Mennonite School (EMS), effective immediately.

Mast brings extensive experience as both a high school and college player.

“We’ve excited to welcome Keri to our coaching staff,” says Dave Bechler, athletic director. “She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of the game. I know she is very passionate person and I expect it to be a great fit.”

As a high school player in Sarasota, Florida, she transferred from Sarasota Christian School to Riverview High School where she graduated in 1992, and earned hall of fame recognition.

Mast’s two years at Division II Florida Southern College on a basketball scholarship included a bid to NCAA tournament. She finished her college career at DIII Eastern Mennonite University where she was named to the ODAC all conference team in 1995 and 1996 and earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and psychology, later earning a master’s degree in physical therapy at Marymount. The 1996-97 season found her serving as assistant women’s basketball coach at EMU.

Mast is a physical therapist at Augusta Health in Fishersville and mother of three school age children with her husband Loren Mast. Daughter Halie is in 10th grade at EMS and a three sport athlete: volleyball, basketball and soccer.

“She’s competitive like me,” admits Keri, who looks forward to coaching the girls she has watched play together as her daughter’s teammates.

“I want to create a winning culture with the team… and it’s not just about winning games,” she says. “Ultimately, it’s about glorifying God, having respect for each other, and building relationships between players and coaches. I want these girls to be good role models for younger students who may look up to varsity players and be a positive influence in the whole school culture.”

Eastern Mennonite School is a K-12 private school that has served Harrisonburg and surrounding counties since 1917. For more information contact Andrea Wenger, Director of Advancement, at 540-236-6026 or wengera@easternmennonite.org.