HUSKIES: UW adds Spoelstra to women's basketball coaching staff
Associated Press
SEATTLE -- Judy Spoelstra, a former head coach at Oregon State and Montana State, is a new assistant coach at Washington.
Huskies coach Tia Jackson announced the addition of Spoelstra on Thursday, effective June 1.
Spoelstra, the 2000 Pac-10 coach of the year, grew up in Everett and played at Washington State and Oregon State, then coached the Beavers to a record of 133-158 and one NCAA tournament appearance from 1995-2005. That was after she went 98-68 in six years at Montana State, where she was the Big Sky Conference coach of the year in 1993. She also spent four years in a Japanese professional league as a player-coach.
"With the addition of coach Spoelstra to our existing coaching staff of Fred Applin and Loree Payne, there is absolutely no doubt that we have one of the most experienced and accomplished coaching staffs in the nation," Jackson said of a UW team that finished a disappointing 13-18 in Jackson's first season after replacing June Daugherty.
Washington has also lost four of its six freshmen off last year's team.
"Judy Spoelstra is a tremendous hire for us," Jackson said in a statement released by the school. "We have nothing but the deepest respect for her ability as a coach. She is a trusted and loyal colleague who brings many years of experience. Her willingness to work hard, with the intent of helping us reach the next level, is special to this program."
Since leaving Oregon State, Spoelstra, 48, has been coaching youth basketball and working in private business in San Diego. She has also been a scout for the New York Liberty.
She grew up in Everett, then graduated from Eastmont High School in East Wenatchee in 1978.
"It is an honor and a tremendous opportunity to work for a university that I have held in high regard since growing up in Everett," Spoelstra said. "I have known Tia for many years and have admired her work ethic as a recruiter. When I sat down and listened to her vision for UW, I was impressed with how clear her ideals were, her systematic approach to building a program and her positive demeanor.
