The search for a new women’s basketball coach was a long and arduous one. When Candace Whitaker was fired on New Year’s Day, many thought this gave Kirby Hocutt ample time and opportunity to have first dibs on the best coaches available. Lady Raider fans will be hoping that Marlene Stollings is the person for the job.
Stollings was Minnesota’s coach for the past four seasons leading them to the WNIT once and the NCAA tournament twice including a second round appearance this past year. Before Minnesota, Stollings spent two years at VCU where she led the Rams to their most recent WNIT appearance.
In the past five seasons, Stollings has led her team to the postseason four times, while the Lady Raiders have had their season end after the conference tournament. Stollings will look to bring the Lady Raiders program back to the glory days of Marsha Sharp, however at this point, most fans would even take the decent days of Kristy Curry.