Lisa Kushiyama enters her sixth year as head coach of the University of Puget Sound’s men’s and women’s cross country and track & field teams in 2024-25, solidifying her reputation as a transformative leader in the Northwest Conference (NWC). Appointed head coach in summer 2019, Kushiyama has elevated the Loggers into a competitive force, fostering a culture of excellence and resilience. In 2024, cross country standout Ben Kerr qualified for the NCAA Division III National Championships, finishing the 8,000m in 25:01.7 and earning All-NWC First Team honors. The 2024 spring track season saw remarkable success, with athletes like Ben Kerr winning the NWC 1500m (3:51.54) and a powerhouse lineup delivering multiple podium finishes at the Linfield Jenn Boyman Memorial Invitational. In spring 2025, freshman Alex Rhodes electrified the indoor track championships, securing 3rd in the 200m and 1st in the 400m, highlighting Kushiyama’s ability to develop elite talent.
Kushiyama’s impact was evident from her first season. As head assistant coach in 2018-19, she guided AJ Johnson to the NWC men’s triple jump title, while Emery Bradlina ’19 (women’s 800m), Matt Wells ’19 (men’s 110m hurdles), and Colin Monaghan (men’s cross country and 10,000m) claimed NWC championships. Since taking the helm, she has overseen consistent growth, with athletes earning All-NWC and All-West Region honors. Her recruiting prowess, demonstrated by bringing in the program’s largest class in recent years, ensures a pipeline of student-athletes who thrive in Puget Sound’s rigorous academic and athletic environment. Kushiyama’s coaching philosophy, rooted in trust and accountability, has earned her deep respect, as noted by Director of Athletics Amy Hackett in 2019.
A two-sport athlete at Linfield College, competing in volleyball and track & field, Kushiyama’s NWC roots run deep. Her coaching journey includes five years at Whitman College as an assistant coach and development officer, complemented by private-sector finance experience. This diverse background informs her holistic approach, blending strategic program-building with athlete mentorship. In 2024, she oversaw a robust indoor track season kickoff at the Chiles Center, showcasing a versatile roster poised for championship contention.
Kushiyama holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Linfield College (2008) and remains a pivotal figure in the NWC, contributing to conference initiatives and mentoring emerging coaches. She resides in University Place with her husband, Casey Kushiyama, Puget Sound’s women’s basketball head coach, and their sons, Kai and Keo. Under her leadership, the Loggers continue to chase national prominence, driven by a commitment to excellence, community, and the development of student-athletes who excel on the track, in the classroom, and beyond.
