Kaylynn Bush will serve in her third year as the director of basketball operations for the Portland State women's basketball team during the 2024-25 season.
In her first year on the Park Blocks, the Vikings completed the biggest year-to-year turnaround in program history. After an 0-20 conference campaign during their 2021-22 season, the Vikings went 8-10 during the 2022-23 season and advanced to the Big Sky semifinals for the first time since 2019. That +8 win differential was not only the largest turnaround in program history, but it was also just one win off the biggest year-to-year turnaround in Big Sky Conference history.
Bush assisted in all facets of the Vikings' program, including working with the team's post players. Outside of basketball, Bush collaborated with athletic department staff on the team's social media efforts, which have seen tremendous growth during her time on the Park Blocks. She has also helped coordinate the team's efforts on social justice, including the team’s Shine a Light initiative.
Bush came to the Vikings after three years on the coaching staff at Bushnell University, an NAIA school in Eugene, Ore., where she also played for two years. In addition to her role as an assistant coach, Bush served as an admissions counselor at Bushnell, a role that saw her serve in recruiting for all teams within the athletic department.
"We're super excited to welcome Kaylynn Bush to our women's basketball staff,” Gregg said at the time of her hire. “A native of Oregon, Kaylynn grew up a Viking fan, and brings experience in athletics as a student-athlete, coach, and academic advisor. She embodies our Viking Values and will be a huge asset to our program."
“[As the director of basketball operations] she'll be helping with day-to-day operations of our basketball program, help coordinate travel arrangements and serve as a liaison between the athletics administration and the coaching staff."
Bushnell went a combined 56-20 across Bush’s three seasons on the coaching staff. The Beacons won the Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) regular-season and tournament titles during the 2019-20 season when Bush was a graduate assistant. The Beacons also made the NAIA Division II national tournament in 2017-18 when Bush was a player, with Bush starting the team’s national tournament opener against Taylor (Ind.).
“I grew up attending PSU sporting events which made it so easy to say yes to joining the team,” Bush said at the time of her hire. “I am thrilled to be back in the City of Roses and be a part of the PSU community once again. I hope to contribute and support Coach Chelsey's championship mindset by helping create an environment that helps the players unlock their greatest potential on and off the court. I am thankful for the opportunity, and I can't wait to get started.”
Bush was an Academic All-CCC selection during her time at Busnell, as well as an NAIA-Daktronics Scholar-Athlete. Bush appeared in 54 games during her playing career, averaging five points and three rebounds per game.
