University of Regina reviewing recruitment after complaints over women’s basketball hiring process

The U of R is reviewing recruitment processes after interim coach Michaela Kleisinger was reportedly passed over for a full-time role despite a strong season.

The University of Regina (U of R) has launched an investigation into its recruitment process after reports that Women’s basketball interim head coach Michaela Kleisinger was passed over for a full-time position.

Complaints stem from a social media post from U of R alumna Dr. Kara Haus who penned a letter to school president and vice-chancellor Jeff Keshen, voicing her displeasure with the decision.

“[Kleisinger] is the vessel of [a] culture for young women looking to further their education while becoming part of a program that exudes excellence and passion,” Haus’ post said. “In one season, Michaela built a culture within the women’s basketball program that fostered not only tangible success in the win column, but a measurable level of pride and prestige for young athletes committing to the program.”

Kleisinger took over head coaching duties prior to the start of the 2025-26 season following the departure of longtime bench boss Dave Taylor in July.

Under her leadership, the Cougars sported a 17-3 regular season record, earning a Canada West postseason birth with the second-best record in the Prairie Division and was the #4 ranked team in the country.

Regina won 15-straight games to begin their season before losing three-in-a-row against Alberta and Saskatchewan – a Huskies team which has won 50-straight.

Seventeen wins matched its total in 2022-23, the program’s most since the pandemic. It is also the second-best record in the past 10 years.

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The Cougars went on to lose in the conference semi-finals and failed to make the national final 8 tournament.

Haus claimed some Cougars’ current players and commits have indicated intentions to leave the program.

“It is my understanding athletes, upon hearing the news of Michaela’s dismissal, have entered the transfer portal,” her post read. “Many have voiced their intentions to play elsewhere or not play at all. One has to assume that many recruits who have committed to the program were likely heavily, positively influenced in their decisions by the culture Michaela has built. An atmosphere and environment she managed to build in one season behind the bench.”

The university’s athletics department is yet to officially announce who has been named as the permanent head coach.

In response to CTV News, the U of R confirmed it is looking into concerns over the process.

“The University of Regina is aware that concerns have been brought forward regarding the national recruitment process for the head coach of the Cougars women’s basketball team. The University takes these concerns seriously and will immediately begin a review of the hiring process,” the institution said in a statement.

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CTV News has also reached out to Michaela Kleisinger for comment.

Haus declined an interview request with CTV given the U of R has undertaken the review of the process.

“It is my belief had a fair and unbiased process been carried out in the hiring phase, this situation would have occurred,” she said in a separate post. “In the spirit of maintaining that integrity, I would prefer my letter speak for itself and to allow the investigatory process to be carried out without external interference or influence.”

In her original letter, Haus went on to say university leadership has an opportunity to reverse its decision and make positive change happen.

“You have an opportunity as an institution to correct this, to reverse course,” penned Haus. “To do what is objectively right for the women’s basketball program, its players, fans … the university and its students.”

“And to do what’s right for women’s sports as a whole,” she added.