Haley Rasmussen Joins Simpson Women’s Basketball Staff as Coach

Simpson College just made a move that’s got basketball fans and alumni buzzing—Haley Rasmussen is back, this time as part of the coaching staff at her alma mater. Rasmussen’s known for her standout high school and college basketball career, and she’s bringing a ton of experience and a real feel for the game to the Simpson women’s basketball program.

Adding her to the lineup isn’t just about filling a spot; it’s about raising the bar for the whole team. Her return has people wondering what’s next for the Simpson Storm.

Haley Rasmussen: A Stellar Basketball Career

Haley Rasmussen’s basketball story is pretty remarkable. Back in high school at Atlantic, she racked up a then-record 1,257 career points and earned all-state honors more than once.

Her skills helped turn the Trojans from longshots into real contenders, both during the regular season and when it mattered most. She didn’t just play—she changed the game for her team.

High School Achievements

What set Rasmussen apart in high school was more than just her scoring. Her leadership and drive made her a crucial part of the Atlantic Trojans.

She inspired her teammates and pushed them to new heights, showing early on that she was something special.

Dominance at Simpson College

When Rasmussen moved on to Simpson College, her collegiate career took off. She led all of NCAA Division III in three-point shots made, hitting an incredible 51.7% from beyond the arc.

That wasn’t just a school record—it was the best single-season mark in Simpson history and across all NCAA divisions, men’s and women’s. Pretty wild, right?

Record-Breaking Performance

Her shooting helped the Storm hit a program-best 40.2% from three-point range. During her senior year (2024-2025), she dropped 75 threes, joining a pretty exclusive club at Simpson.

She became just the third player in school history to lead the nation in three-point percentage, right up there with Jenna Taylor (2019) and Amy Hamilton (2009).

Award-Winning Senior Season

Rasmussen’s senior year really showed what she was made of. She finished as the team’s Most Valuable Player and earned first-team all-American Rivers Conference honors for the second time.

She also took home the Barborka award, which is the top honor for Simpson College athletes. That’s not something you see every day.

Impact on the Simpson Storm

Her impact on the Storm went way beyond just scoring. Rasmussen’s leadership and consistency set the tone for the team.

She raised the level for everyone around her, making her teammates better and setting a high bar for those who’ll come after.

Transition to Coaching

Now she’s stepping into a new role, joining Simpson’s coaching staff. Rasmussen knows the game inside and out, and her experience as a former player gives her an edge as a mentor.

Head coach Brian Niemuth has said he’s confident in Rasmussen, pointing out her work ethic and deep knowledge of the system. He’s sure she’ll help the players reach their best.

Role and Responsibilities

As a coach, Rasmussen’s going to be hands-on—developing strategies, mentoring players, and helping them sharpen their skills. She’s been through it all as a top collegiate player, so her advice and insights are going to mean a lot to the team.

Beyond Basketball: A Passion for Teaching

But basketball isn’t her only passion. Rasmussen also teaches fourth grade at Irving Elementary School in Indianola.

She brings the same energy and commitment to her classroom that she shows on the court. It’s impressive to see someone inspire kids both in school and in sports.