Robin Potera, head coach at Texas Wesleyan University, has been
named women's basketball coach at Montana State University,
announced MSU co-chairs of the search committee, Calli Sanders
and Mary Bushing.
Potera, who has recorded a 39-15 record in two seasons at the
NCAA Division II school, guided the Lady Rams to a 21-6 ledger
this winter, including a second place finish in the Heartland
Conference. The mark was the best record in 15 years at the
school. Texas Wesleyan also achieved the highest ranking in
school history, reaching No. 4 in the South Central region. Her
squad also earned over a 3.30 grade-point average, as well.
"I really feel that Montana State is the place I'm meant to be,"
Potera said. "I'm ecstatic about the opportunity that lies ahead
of us at Montana State. I'm excited about a challenging, new
opportunity. We'll do everything in our power to have the women's
program vying for the conference championship, next season.
"Bozeman is a great basketball town and the fans that I met
during the interview process were very knowledgeable. There is a
lot of talent in Montana and we would like to keep the best
players in state. I like to put my personal stamp on the women's
program and we'll be very visible in town and throughout the
Gallatin Valley. Our fans will play an important role in our
success."
Prior to coaching at Texas Wesleyan, Potera served for five
seasons at Austin College, amassing an 85-47 overall mark. In her
last three years with the Lady Kangaroos, she notched at least
20-wins per season. Austin College was selected to play in the
1996-97 NAIA tournament and in the 1998 and 1999 NCAA Division
III tourneys, advancing to two "Sweet 16" appearances. Potera's
1996-97 squad was ranked No. 21 in the final NAIA poll, as a
non-scholarship school competing against scholarship squads.
"Coach Potera has a tremendous amount of energy and enthusiasm
and I'm confident that she'll continue the level of excellence
within our women's basketball program," Sanders said. "She'll
also bring a different angle to the recruiting process with her
contacts around the nation. Coach Potera is also committed to
signing the top players in Montana, as well."
At Austin College, Potera won two conference coach of the year
honors and led the Lady Kangaroos to top 25 recognition by the
Women's Basketball Coaching Association for academic achievement.
Prior to her tenure at Austin College, she served for six years
at Wilmer Hutchins High School in Dallas, recording a 135-50
mark.
"Coach Potera has been successful in every endeavor and facet of
her career," said MSU Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr.
Allen Yarnell, who oversees Bobcat Athletics. "She had
overwhelming support from those who have worked with her over the
course of her basketball career. She is a high caliber coach and
person."
Potera graduated with a degree in physical education from Evangel
College in Springfield, Missouri in 1984 and earned her master's
degree in physical education from Stephen F. Austin University in
1985, where she served as a graduate assistant with the Lady Jack
women's basketball program.
"I was impressed with the wide range of positive regards towards
Coach Potera during our site evaluation," said MSU Athletics
Director, Chuck Lindemenn. "Everyone from the University
president, fellow coaches, support staff and current players held
her in high esteem. I'm confident that she'll continue to move
the Bobcat women's basketball program on a steady course to
success."
Potera will begin her duties at Montana State University on
Monday.
