Kinder steps down as HSU men’s basketball coach, to remain with athletics

ARCATA, Ca (KIEM)-Steve Kinder is no longer the head coach of the Humboldt State men’s basketball program. The move was announced Thursday afternoon. Kinder will remain at HSU and is taking on new responsibilities to support athletics with fundraising for HSU’s 11 sports programs and 240 student-athletes.

The University is conducting a national search for a head coach of the men’s basketball program. Rich Mendoza, assistant coach of men’s basketball, will take on day-to-day operations of the men’s team.

“I am excited for another opportunity to further my professional career at Humboldt State,” says Kinder. “These responsibilities will give me a new challenge as an administrator and help me stay connected to the Athletics Department and create new funding levels for the student-athletes. I’m looking forward to continuing to support the Green and Gold. Go Lumberjacks!”

During the ten years at the helm of the men’s basketball program, Kinder (’85, Physical Education) guided the Lumberjacks to three NCAA Tournament appearances and three California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) titles.

He has coached 20 All-Conference honorees including one Most Valuable Player selection, two Freshman of the Year honorees and one Newcomer of the Year. Kinder was named the CCAA Coach of the Year in 2010-11 and the National Association of Basketball Coaches West Region Coach of the Year.