The University of Minnesota introduced new women’s basketball coach Marlene Stollings Tuesday. Stollings becomes the 11th head coach in the history of the Gopher women’s basketball program.
Stollings has spent the last two years at Virginia Commonwealth. She replaces Pam Borton, who was fired after 12 seasons leading the program, following the Gophers loss to South Dakota State in the Women’s National Invitation Tournament.
In 2013-2014, she led VCU to a 22-10 record and a birth in the 2014 WNIT. The 22 victories were the third-most wins in VCU’s program history and just the program’s sixth 20-win season.
“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.”
The Pioneer Press reports Stollings will earn a salary of $425,000 in 2014-2015.
- Her compensation will increase by no less than $17,500 annually
- Base salary is $350,000, receives $75,000 in supplemental compensation
- Her buyout will be $250,000 if she leaves before April 30, 2016; $125,000 on or between May 1, 2016 and April 30, 2018 and $50,000 on or between May 1, 2018 and April 30, 2020.
‘We will play an exciting brand of basketball,” Stollings said at her introductory press conference. “I am a firm believer that offense generates defense.”
During the season VCU set several school records, including averaging 75.8 points-per-game and 235 three-point field goals. The Rams scored 90 or more points on five occasions and twice set a school-record 112 points in a game during the year.
Stollings said the goal is to get the Gophers back into the Final Four.
Stollings said the #Gophers goal moving forward is not only to reach the NCAA tournament but to play in second week and return to Final Four
— Marcus R. Fuller (@Marcus_R_Fuller) April 8, 2014
Stollings has bounced around quite a bit in her 14-year coaching career. She has worked at eight schools and the University of Minnesota is her third stop as a head coach.
She got her first job as a head coach at Winthrop in 2011 where she spent just one season, before spending the last two years at VCU.
#Gophers players are here to support their new coach. pic.twitter.com/qpjKWkLP3S
— Marcus R. Fuller (@Marcus_R_Fuller) April 8, 2014
