Chris Kielsmeier is the winningest women's basketball coach in Howard Payne history. He compiled a 179-44 record as head coach in eight seasons and led the Lady Jackets to four straight NCAA Division III tournament appearances, culminating in a 33-0 undefeated season and national championship in 2008. His Howard Payne teams were known for tenacious defense. Over his final seven seasons at HPU, opponents shot just 34 percent from the field. Kielsmeier's 2007-08 team ranked fourth in NCAA Division III scoring defense, allowing an average of 47.5 points per game. In 2006-07, HPU led NCAA Division III in scoring defense in 2006-07 at 44.2 points per game. allowing just 44.2 points per game. At HPU, Kielsmeier coached one All-American, one honorable mention All-American, one national player of the year, 40 all-conference selections, two American Southwest Conference freshman of the year and 40 all-academic selections. He won one national title, two divisional championships and three conference tournament titles. He was a conference Coach of the Year three times and two-time Region Coach of the Year. Kielsmeier was named the WBCA South Region and National coach of the year in 2007-08 and was selected the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches’ Small College coach of the Year. After leaving HPU, he was head women’s basketball coach at NCAA Division II Wayne State in Nebraska for 10 years with a record of 237-72. He then moved to Cleveland State University in Ohio in 2019.