The University of Denver men’s basketball program named former Western Illinois associate head coach Kyle Heikkinen an assistant coach, new DU head coach Tim Bergstraser announced on April 24, 2025.
“Kyle is very familiar with high level basketball and coaching in the Summit League,” Bergstraser said. “He tirelessly works on recruiting and will buy into bringing in players that fit the model of being at the University of Denver. On top of being a great recruiter, he is a proven coach that connects well with his players, transforming them as players and people.”
Heikkinen recently completed his fifth season on the Western Illinois coaching staff, originally hired under previous head coach Rob Jeter during the Leathernecks time in the Summit League before staying on under current head coach Chad Boudreau.
In his time in Macomb, Heikkinen helped construct the highest-ranked recruiting class in program history, of which three student-athletes went on to be named to All-Summit League teams and three more went on to be recognized on the All-Ohio Valley teams after the program made its conference transition following the 2022-23 season.
“My family and I could not be more excited to be a part of the Pio family,” Heikkinen said. “We are fortunate and blessed to be able to join Coach Bergy on this journey at such a prestigious institution. DU has a rich tradition both academically and athletically. I’m looking forward to not only continuing that tradition but pushing the bar and standard higher. Under Tim’s guidance, the future of Pioneer basketball is extremely bright.”
Heikkinen helped guide the Leathernecks to their most wins, their most conference wins, their most road wins and their longest winning streak in a decade, a stretch that included a trio of postseason tournament invites.
The Wisconsin-Whitewater alum was promoted from assistant to associate head coach ahead of the 2023-24 season, and was given the keys to guide the program’s defensive strategy. In his first season as the defensive coordinator, the Leathernecks finished 22nd in the country in scoring defense (65.7), 20th in field goal percentage defense (40.6), eighth in blocked shots per game (5.6) and third in rebounds per game (42.33). Heikkinen was the lead recruiter for Drew Cisse, who was named OVC Defensive Player of the Year in 2023-24.
Prior to Western Illinois, Heikkinen was on staff at Highland Community College, leading the program’s recruiting, opponent scouting, film breakdown, academic monitoring, fundraising and team travel. In his three seasons at Highland, the program won three-straight conference championships, a 2018 district title and 2018 and 2020 Region IV championships. Heikkinen had 13 of his student-athletes go on to attain NCAA Division I scholarships.
Heikkinen’s collegiate coaching career began at his alma mater in 2013-14. UWW won the 2014 NCAA Division III National Championship in his first year with the program and went 91-25 overall, including three 22+ win seasons. In his second season with the program, they swept the WIAC regular season and tournament titles and set a school record for conference wins in a season with 15.
In the years leading up to his collegiate coaching debut, Heikkinen coached high school boys basketball and football for five seasons, worked for ESPN Wisconsin, Rivals.com and 247Sports, and spent time as a licensed insurance agent.
The Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, native graduated from the Wisconsin-Whitewater with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health, Human Performance & Recreation and minored in coaching.
Heikkinen and his wife Jess have two daughters, Emma and Madison.
Heikkinen’s College Coaching Career
2023-25 – Associate Head Coach – Western Illinois
2020-23 – Assistant Coach – Western Illinois
2017-20 – Associate Head Coach – Highland Community College
2013-17 – Assistant Coach – University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Overall Record as an Assistant: 237-124
