Koetsier to be honored again for overcoming adversity
Jan. 14, 2003
KALAMAZOO -- Western Michigan University and the V Foundation will pay tribute to junior Kristin Koetsier, the 2002 recipient of the V Foundation's Comeback of the Year Award.
Koetsier will be honored at a luncheon beginning at noon Thursday, Jan. 23, at the Radisson Hotel in downtown Kalamazoo. She will also be recognized that evening during halftime of the women's basketball game between WMU and nationally ranked North Carolina. Tip off for the basketball game is 7 p.m. in University Arena.
The V Foundation is named for former collegiate basketball coach and television analyst Jim Valvano, who died of cancer in 1993. Part of the proceeds from ticket sales at both the luncheon and game will be donated to the V Foundation, which benefits cancer research. Nick Valvano of the V Foundation will be a present at both the luncheon and basketball halftime ceremonies.
A physical education major from Lowell, Mich., Koetsier won the V Foundation Comeback of the Year Award after overcoming a knee injury and two life-threatening blood disorders to reclaim her spot as one of the top players in the Mid-American Conference. A two-time All-MAC First Team selection, Koetsier also won the Honda Inspiration Award in 2002. She missed almost the entire 2000-01 season with a knee injury and battled blood disorders prior to both the1999-2000 and 2001-02 seasons.
Tickets for the luncheon are $18 each and include a ticket to the basketball game. For luncheon reservations, call the Athletic Corporate Relations Office at 269 387-3062.
Media contact: Daniel Jankowski, 269 387-4138, daniel.jankowski@wmich.edu