CONTACT: Lisa Lacher, (515) 271-3119, lisa.lacher@drake.edu
Drake University head women’s basketball coach Amy Stephens has received a three-year extension of her existing contract (for a total commitment of five years) through the 2010-11 season, Drake President David Maxwell announced today.
“This past season, Amy Stephens confounded the so-called experts by taking a young team to the upper reaches of the Missouri Valley Conference standings,” President Maxwell said. “Along with her fine recruiting record, Coach Stephens has the leadership capabilities, the knowledge of the game and the confidence of her players to keep Drake in the top ranks of the MVC and to go far into postseason play. We’re all looking forward to an exciting 2006-2007 campaign. At the same time, we are confident of Coach Stephens’ commitment to Drake University’s values and mission, and to the academic success of her players as well.”
Stephens has constructed a 47-42 record during her three-year tenure at Drake with teams advancing to the WNIT in 2004 and 2006. Her Bulldog squad earned a 3.01 grade-point average during the fall semester and three Drake starters were named to the MVC Scholar-Athlete team this season.
“I am very appreciative of the support that President Maxwell and Athletic Director Dave Blank have shown in my coaching staff and in me,” Stephens said. “Drake University is a very special place to work and I’m proud to be a part of this athletic department and University.”
The Bulldogs are coming off their best season yet under Stephens, posting a 17-12 record with the most victories by a Drake team since the 2001-02 season. Drake also won 12 home games for the first time since the 1998-99 campaign. Drake finished second in the Missouri Valley Conference with a 13-5 record this past season and was the
only league team to beat regular-season champ Indiana State at home.
With six of their top eight players returning, including three starters, the Bulldogs should be picked to contend for the league title in several 2006-07 Missouri Valley Conference preseason polls.
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