Former Pilot Perpall hired as Providence women’s basketball head coach

The Providence Pilots didn’t have to look far to find their new women’s basketball head coach.

The school announced alumnus and current men’s assistant coach Kendall Perpall would be taking over for Joel Coursey, who became Providence’s full-time athletic director this year.

“I wasn’t expecting to be this early, but (becoming a head coach) was always in my plans to do, especially after playing,” Perpall said.

“I’ve had the opportunity to start early (at Providence), even assistant coaching after college… I definitely appreciate they recognize that.”

The Pilots women’s team plays with what the team calls “the system,” changing out all five players on the court after two minute shifts. Perpall has no plans on changing the team’s identity. In the three years since establishing the system, Providence has found strong results on the court, picking up championship banners.

“There’s still more history to be made, and I definitely want to put my stamp on the system as well,” Perpall said.

While the team will still play with the aggression and massive substitution patterns the system is known for, Perpall hopes to vary up the team’s line-ups, especially in the closing moments. He said he’s hoping to give players with a hot hand that game the opportunity to thrive in those clutch moments.

“It’s definitely fun to watch and fun to play,” Perpall said.

Perpall was an outstanding player for Providence during his playing career, named to the National Christian Colleges Athletic Association’s all-American team for averaging 27 points and 10 rebounds in a season.

After graduating, he carved out a professional career, founding a team in Oklahoma and signing with the Moncton Motion in 2023, all while serving as an assistant for Providence.

He’s leaning on those experiences outside of the Pilots to help him in the recruiting game.

“I think I’m about three to five players away, if I can get a few hopeful returners to come back,” Perpall said.

While talking on just his fourth day in the role, Perpall proudly shared he had signed two locals, Steinbach Regional’s Lily Anderson and Ste Anne’s Chelsea Rachel. He added Providence is hoping to dominate recruiting any players coming out of the region.

“Lily is a talented player with a great work ethic, who’s able to adapt as the team needs,” Perpall said in the team’s post announcing Anderson’s signing.

“She can score, rebound, defend, and assist at a high level and will fit perfectly in with our style of play. I believe Lily will have a strong impact on the team through her play and character.”

Both Rachel and Anderson have been team leaders since their grade 10 years for their respective schools.

“Chelsea is a competitor at both ends of the court,” Perpall said.

“I’ve witnessed her lead her team since grade 10. She’s a pure scorer who is ready to help the team in any way needed. I have no doubt that she will thrive in our system.”

The Pilots have yet to announce who will be leading the school’s cross country team, as they are still looking for a coach as the sport is set to begin next season at Providence.