News Summary

In a heartwarming move, local hero Matt Hoelscher has been appointed the new Head Coach of the Alexandria Cardinals Girls’ Basketball team. Returning to his roots, Hoelscher aims to uphold the program’s successful traditions following the retirement of Wendy Kohler. With a strong coaching background, including his tenure at Osakis High School, he is set to lead the team into a new chapter, emphasizing a positive culture and competitive spirit. The Alexandria community is eager to support Hoelscher as he guides the next generation of athletes.

Matt Hoelscher Takes the Helm of Alexandria Girls’ Basketball

In a heartwarming turn of events, Alexandria is buzzing with excitement as local hero Matt Hoelscher has been appointed the new Head Coach of the Alexandria Cardinal Girls’ Basketball team. Hoelscher, a proud Alexandria native, steps into this pivotal role following the retirement of Wendy Kohler, who dedicated an incredible 40 years to coaching the team.

A New Beginning

With Hoelscher returning to Alexandria Area High School, there’s a palpable sense of nostalgia and anticipation. Before this new chapter, he showcased his coaching prowess at Osakis High School, where he spent over a decade leading the Varsity Boys’ Basketball team. Under his watchful eye, the Silverstreaks clinched eight out of their last nine Prairie Conference titles. This impressive track record speaks volumes about his commitment and expertise in building strong teams. When he stepped down from his position at Osakis in April 2025, he wrapped up a commendable season with a 19-9 record. Though the Silverstreaks faced a tough loss against Albany in the Section 6AA Tournament, it’s evident that Hoelscher has left a legacy of success.

Family Ties

Basketball runs deep in Hoelscher’s family. During his tenure at Osakis, he had the privilege of coaching his son, Mekai Hoelscher, who graduated in 2024. Now, he has the chance to coach his youngest daughter, McKinley Hoelscher, who will be a junior at Alexandria Area High School in the upcoming 2025-26 season. McKinley’s team has made quite a name for themselves, advancing to the State Girls’ Basketball Tournament for three consecutive seasons. Hoelscher stepped away from Osakis to dedicate more time to support his daughter during her final two high school seasons.

A Continuation of Excellence

Hoelscher fills the void left by Kohler’s retirement, offering a seamless transition for players and fans alike. The Alexandria girls’ basketball program has enjoyed significant success recently, with three straight Central Lakes Conference titles and three consecutive Section 8-3A titles. Under Hoelscher’s guidance, he aims to maintain the *competitive spirit* and *playing style* that were hallmarks of Kohler’s coaching. He plans to emphasize a strong team defense coupled with aggressive gameplay, keeping the team’s winning tradition alive.

The Road Ahead

Stepping into the new role brings its own set of challenges, particularly with the Alexandria girls’ basketball team moving up to Class 4A next season. This transition means they will be competing against tougher opponents in a new section. Hoelscher embraces the challenge with enthusiasm, emphasizing the importance of being well-prepared for the season ahead.

Building a Positive Culture

Hoelscher is not just focused on wins; he believes in fostering a positive culture within the program. His goal is to build on the achievements of past teams while creating an environment where players thrive both on and off the court. Some notable talents from the 2023-24 season, like Hadley Thul, an accomplished scorer, and other standout players such as Allie Haabala, Chloe Scholl, and MaCee Linow, have graduated and are now on their way to pursuing college basketball. Their legacy will surely guide the team as it continues to evolve.

A Bright Future

The Alexandria community is rallying around Hoelscher as he embarks on this exciting journey. With his wealth of experience and a deep understanding of local talent, the community is optimistic about what lies ahead for the Cardinal Girls’ Basketball team. It’s a new chapter, filled with hope and potential, and one can sense the enthusiasm as everyone looks forward to seeing how Hoelscher will inspire the next generation of athletes.

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