SAINT BONIFACIUS, Minn. – Director of Athletics Steve Tebbs announced Monday that David Pederson has been chosen to lead the Polars women's basketball team.
"From the start, our goal has been to find a dynamic head coach who can lead this program to new heights," said Tebbs. "Throughout the process, David has shown that he desires to disciple and mentor student-athletes while demonstrating that he is ready to take this program to the next level."
Pederson has been an assistant coach in the men's and women's basketball programs at the University of Northwestern in St. Paul. He was most recently the Associate Head Coach on the women's team during the 2023-2024 season. Pederson also worked as a Men's Basketball Graduate Assistant Coach at the University of Dubuque for two seasons, where he had a significant role in recruiting, scouting, academic advising for the team and oversaw the youth camps.
A St. Cloud, Minn. native, Pederson was on staff when the 2020-21 University of Northwestern men's team won the UMAC conference tournament and the NCCAA National Tournament.
"I am grateful to President Denton, Steve Tebbs, and the entire interview committee at Crown College for entrusting me with the leadership of the Crown Women's Basketball program. I am beyond excited for this opportunity,' Pederson said. "Crown's commitment to being a boldly Christian college made it an easy decision for me to pursue this opportunity. I look forward to working with the incredible athletic staff, the administration and faculty, and most importantly, the student-athletes at Crown."
The Polars are coming off a postseason appearance in the NCCAA DII National Championship, where they upset the overall #1 seed, Champion Christian College. They narrowly lost to the eventual champion, Simmons College of Kentucky.
Crown College President Andrew Denton had this to say about the Pederson hiring. "David brings a strong background in coaching, the ability to mentor our women athletes well, and a commitment to building an outstanding program. Most importantly, coach Pederson is a deeply committed follower of Christ and is dedicated to building his team to reflect Crown's vision of being the Midwest's boldly Christian College."
