GRAND FORKS, N.D. - University of North Dakota Director of Athletics Brian Faison announced today that Michelle Kirchgassner has been hired as assistant strength and conditioning coach.

Kirchgassner (pronounced "KURTCH gass ner") comes to North Dakota from Ball State, where she spent the previous two years as a graduate assistant strength and conditioning coach. While at Ball State, Kirchgassner assisted with 17 men's and women's teams, coaching Olympic lifts, speed mechanics, agility drills, and pre- and post-testing.

Kirchgassner is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and is also certified by USA Weightlifting. She is a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

"I am excited to announce the addition of Michelle to our staff," said Nate Baukol, UND's Director of Strength and Conditioning. "Michelle's energy and passion will be a huge asset for our program and our student-athletes in the continuous process of athletic development."

Kirchgassner received both her master's degree (sports performance) and bachelor's degree (exercise science) from Ball State and competed in gymnastics from 2005 to 2007.

- Go Sioux -