MANKATO, Minn. --- Minnesota State Director of Athletics Kevin Buisman has announced that Kit Strief has joined the Maverick athletic department as the Assistant Director of Athletics/Director of Athletic Communications.

Strief, a native of Des Moines, Iowa and 2000 graduate from Grand View University, has served as the Assistant Athletic Director for Communications at Valdosta State since 2018.

"Maverick Athletics is entering one of the most transformational periods in its history and Kit's position will be at the forefront of telling that story, Buisman said. "His experience, strategic perspective and commitment to excellence make him an outstanding addition to our leadership team. We are excited about the vision Kit brings and look forward to the impact he will have in elevating the visibility of our student-athletes, coaches and the Maverick Athletics brand."

While at VSU, Strief directed all media relations and communication initiatives for Valdosta State's 12 sports, including the 2018 NCAA Championship football team and the 2024 and 2025 NCAA Championships men's tennis teams. Strief also ran the VSU Athletic Hall of Fame Committee and helped host several NCAA postseason events, including the men's basketball NCAA South Region Tournament and several NCAA Tournament football games.

Prior to joining Valdosta State, Strief served as the Assistant Athletic Director of Media Relations at West Texas A&M (2012-18), covering 17 sports. While at WTAMU, managed a staff that hosted several NCAA regional tournaments including the men's basketball NCAA South Central Region Tournament.

"I am really looking forward to joining the Minnesota State athletic department," Strief said. "It is a fantastic athletic program and I couldn't be happier about having the opportunity to work with outstanding coaches and staff and promoting the Mavericks."

Strief has also worked at the Division I level having spent two years (2011-12) at the University of South Dakota covering the football, men's basketball and men's golf teams. Prior to USD, Strief spent four years at Montana State University, Billings, where he served as the Assistant AD for Operations and Media Relations (2007-11). He also served as the Director of Media Relations at the University of South Alabama (2005-07).

Strief earned his Bachelor's Degree in journalism/mass communications/TV & radio from Grand View University in 2000. He later attained his Master's Degree in sports administration from Wichita State in 2005. While working towards his master's degree, Strief worked in client services and promotions/media relations at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.