Northern Colorado names Ethridge head women's basketball coach

Apr 28, 2014 - 8:23 PM Greeley, CO (SportsNetwork.com) - Northern Colorado announced the hiring of former Kansas State associate head coach Kamie Ethridge as the next head coach of the women's basketball program on Monday.

Ethridge becomes the 12th head coach in program history and replaces interim head coach Ryan Johnson, who took over after Jaime White resigned to take the same position at Fresno State.

"During our thorough search process, we spoke with many different leaders in women's basketball who knew Coach Ethridge well, on and off the court," Northern Colorado Director of Athletics Darren Dunn said. "Her energy, excitement and commitment to student-athletes were apparent from our first meeting and from many discussions with those who have worked with her. She is extremely prepared for this opportunity and will be a perfect fit for our program, department and community."

Ethridge spent the last 18 seasons as associate head coach with Kansas State and previously served as an assistant coach at Vanderbilt and Northern Illinois. She advanced to the NCAA Tournament 14 times, including six trips to the Sweet Sixteen, during her career as associate head coach and assistant coach.

The Bears, who went 14-15 last season, welcome the coach that has compiled a 501-271 record in her career.

While playing for seven national teams during her playing career, Ethridge earned six gold and one silver medal, including playing in the 1988 Olympics with the United States, 1986 World Championships and serving as an alternate for the Olympics in 1984. She also won an NCAA National Championship and MVP while playing for the Texas Longhorns from 1982-86.

Ethridge was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002.