Women's Basketball Southern Conference

Western Carolina's Dunkenberger Receives Contract Extension

Cullowhee, N.C. - Western Carolina Director of Athletics Jeff Compher announced that the University's Board of Trustees unanimously approved a two-year contract extension for Catamount head women's basketball coach Beth Dunkenberger through the 2005-06 season.

"This is not just a reward for Beth doing a good job, but our attempt to keep good coaches here," Compher said. "We want Western to be a coaching destination."

Dunkenberger, starting her third year at Western, has taken the women's basketball program to new heights in her two years. In her first year at the helm, she led the Cats to a 13-15 record, the program's best season in 12 years, dating back to a 13-15 campaign in 1988-89. This past season, Dunkenberger directed her squad to a 17-11 record, which was the program's most wins since posting 17 victories in 1982-83 and the school's first winning season over that same 19-year span. The 2001-02 season was highlighted by Western defeating Wake Forest at the Ramsey Center and ending losing streaks of 10 and 12 games to Georgia Southern and Furman, respectively.

"I am honored to receive this contract extension," Dunkenberger said. "I see this as a reward for all the hard work our team and staff have put in over the past two years. We want to bring championships to Western Carolina. I am proud that the administration has the confidence to let us fulfill our goals."

In addition to her team success, Dunkenberger has developed some of the top players in the Southern Conference. Laura Echols, who graduated this past season, was a first team All-SoCon pick each of the past two years after leading the league in scoring in 2000-01 and ranking second this past season. Also, in 2000-01, Tiffany Hamm was tabbed SoCon Freshman of the Year.

Dunkenberger has also been successful producing true student-athletes as the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) has recognized the Catamounts for their efforts in the classroom. The 2000-01 squad ranked sixth in NCAA Division I with a team grade point average (GPA) of 3.313. Helping that cause is guard Yoneko Allen. The junior from Gray Court, S.C., was named the 2001-02 WCU Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year and was honored by the Arthur Ashe, Jr. Spots Scholars Awards this past season. Allen and Echols were additionally named to the Verizon Academic All-District III team.

"Obviously what Beth has done here is special," Compher said. "In a very short time, she has brought this program to be a Southern Conference contender. We need to keep Beth, as well as all of the coaches of her caliber, here as a result of their efforts."