Kirtland Basketball Opens Season with New Coaches and New Energy

Kirtland Community College basketball is kicking off a new era with both the men’s and women’s teams under fresh leadership. The Firebirds will host their first home games of the season on Friday, November 14, following early road matchups that set the tone for a season of growth and determination.

The men’s team opened with hard-fought losses to Grand Rapids Community College (93–81) and Lake Michigan College (94–72). The women’s team dropped its opener to GRCC (74–52) but rallied with a 69–59 victory over Lake Michigan College.

New men’s head coach Ernest Collins brings fifteen years of experience and palpable energy to Kirtland. His “race and space” offensive strategy and high-pressure defense are reshaping the Firebirds’ identity.

“They all have something to prove,” said Collins of the team. “That’s actually our theme for this season. I truly believe we’re going to surprise a lot of people. In the past, our program hasn’t had the success we’ve wanted, but this group understands that and uses it as motivation. They’re driven to prove not just to themselves, but to everyone that we can compete with any team in the country.”

Collins’ system emphasizes relentless effort: pressuring opponents across the full court for 40 minutes and maintaining a fast-paced attack.

“Our goal is to showcase a tough, gritty, hard-nosed style of basketball in every facet of the game,” Collins said. “I’m really looking forward to taking people by surprise with our style of play. We’re not the same team from last year or any year before, and it’s going to be amazing to watch everything come together. Competing against some of the top teams in the country will be a great test for us, but I can honestly say I’ve never been more confident in a group than I am in this one.”

Kirtland Athletic Director Marty McDermott praised Collins’ gusto and leadership saying, “Coach Collins is full of energy! His guys have bought into what he is teaching, and they will be fun to watch!”

For his part, Collins said the most rewarding part of his early tenure has been building relationships with his players.

“We’ve been putting in a tremendous amount of work both on the court and in the classroom, and seeing each player’s growth has been a blessing,” said Collins. “Watching their development is what makes coaching here at Kirtland so special to me.”

New women’s head coach Paul Koepke joins Kirtland with nearly two decades of coaching experience in northern Michigan. His background includes leading Bellaire High School’s basketball program to multiple conference, district, and regional championships, as well as earning honors as both Regional and Division 4 Coach of the Year. He also founded the Northern Pride Sports Academy, a travel basketball program for girls.

“Sports have always been a huge part of my family’s life; all four of my kids have played college athletics, and my two daughters both played college basketball,” Koepke said. “I’m really looking forward to coaching alongside my son, Reese Koepke, who serves as my head assistant coach.”

This year’s Lady Firebirds roster features ten players, three freshmen and seven sophomores, whom Koepke describes as “an amazing group of young, motivated, and coachable athletes.”

“They’ve bought into doing things the right way and are helping establish a strong culture built on effort, accountability, and teamwork,” Koepke said. “Our captains provide great leadership, and the team as a whole is hardworking, athletic, and competitive.”

Koepke said his focus is on steady improvement as the season progresses.

“I think by the middle of the season, you’ll see a different team as we continue to learn what it takes to be a winning program,” Koepke said. “We’re focused on putting together the roadmap for long-term success, learning how to manage the ups and downs of a college basketball season, and building relationships through recruiting and connecting with parents and players.”

McDermott said Koepke’s addition to the program is already making a difference.

“Coach Koepke brings a ton of experience coaching in Northern Michigan,” McDermott said. “His teams will play hard and fast, shoot a lot of 3-point shots, and will compete for 40 minutes.”

With renewed leadership, fresh energy, and an ambitious vision, Kirtland’s basketball teams are ready to take the court and showcase the new era of Firebird basketball. Fans are encouraged to attend the home opener starting at 5:30 p.m. on November 14 and cheer on the Firebirds.