Karsten Kaufmann joined the Seattle University Redhawk coaching staff in the fall of 2025. Before Seattle U, he spent four years coaching at The Bush School in Seattle, where he helped guide the boys’ cross country team to its first-ever 1A state championship in 2022, followed by runner-up finishes in 2023 and 2024.
On the track, Kaufmann coached standout athletes including Amare Fields, who placed 2nd in the 800m and 1600 at the 2023 state meet (1:52.97, 4:15.05), and Duncan Frisbie-Smith, a four-time 1A state champion. In 2025, Frisbie-Smith completed the rare “distance triple,” winning the 800m, 1600m, and 3200m. He closed his high school career with PRs of 1:50.33 (800m), 4:09.38 (1600m), and 8:57.33 (3200m).
Kaufmann coached athletes to school records in the boys 800m, 1600m, 3200m, and XC 5K, as well as the Girls 3200m.
Prior to coaching, Kaufmann competed for Chico State, as a member of the cross country and track & field teams.