ODU extends Barefoot's contract two years

Aug 8, 2013 - 9:20 PM Norfolk, VA (Sports Network) - Old Dominion announced Thursday that head women's basketball coach Karen Barefoot has received a new five-year contract that will run through the 2017-18 season.

Barefoot had three seasons remaining on a five-year deal she signed to become ODU's head coach in 2011. The Lady Monarchs went just 11-21 in her first season at the helm, but posted a 19-12 record while earning a berth in the Women's NIT in 2012-13.

"Karen has quickly illustrated in her first two years as our head women's basketball coach that she possesses the drive, professional contacts, teaching ability, and knowledge to direct our program to a level of conference and national prominence," said ODU athletic director Dr. Wood Selig. "This is a natural second contract for Karen who reflects enhanced performance incentives while also restoring her to an employment term of five years as we transition to [Conference] USA.

"We feel this new contract illustrates to Lady Monarch fans and future women?s basketball student athletes the commitment of both ODU and Coach Barefoot to each other as we continue our pursuit of national relevance for our program."

Prior to replacing Wendy Larry, who stepped down after a successful 25-year tenure as the Lady Monarchs' head coach in 2011, Barefoot served as the head coach at Elon for three seasons and led the Phoenix to a 20-win campaign along with a Women's Basketball Invitational berth in 2010-11.

Previously a member of the Colonial Athletic Association, Old Dominion will compete in all sports except football in Conference USA this coming athletic season.