Marlene Stollings Named New Gopher Women's Basketball Coach
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – University of Minnesota Athletic Director Norwood Teague announced Monday that Marlene Stollings has been named the Gophers' new women's basketball coach.
Stollings comes to Minnesota from Virginia Commonwealth and replaces Pam Borton, who was let go on March 28 after the Gophers lost to South Dakota State in the third round of the WNIT. Borton coached the Gophers for 12 seasons and helped lead them to six NCAA Tournament appearances. Her stint included a Final Four run in 2004, but Minnesota has not made the NCAA Tournament the last five years.
Borton finished with a career record of 236-152 at Minnesota.
Stollings led VCU to a 33-29 record over the last two seasons. VCU finished 22-10 this season, and the 22 wins was third-most in program history.
"I am extremely proud to be named the head coach at the University of Minnesota," Stollings said in a statement. "I want to thank President Eric Kaler and Director of Athletics Norwood Teague for believing in my vision for the future of this storied program and for giving me this opportunity. Minnesota has great tradition and I cannot wait to be part of it. I am looking forward to meeting the team and great fans of Gopher basketball."
"Marlene Stollings is one of the most respected young coaches in the country and we are thrilled to have her leading the Minnesota women's basketball program," Teague said. "Her up-tempo style, ability to recruit the nation's best talent and successful track record are undeniable. I am excited for our student-athletes and fans, as Marlene will bring an energetic style of basketball to Williams Arena."
Stollings will be introduced as the program's 11th head coach at a news conference on Tuesday.
