CSUEB hires new women's basketball coach
- June 22, 2010
Cal State University-East Bay announced the hiring of Suzy Barcomb as the new head coach of its women's basketball team on Monday, June 15.
Barcomb has spent the past 12 years as the women's basketball head coach at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Wash., during which time she guided Puget Sound to a 237-87 overall record and four berths into the NCAA Division III Tournament.
She joins a program in desperate need of new direction; CSUEB moved from Division III to Division II last season, and went 2-25 in their inaugural campaign within the higher division. Barcomb, however, is far from daunted by the challenge of building a competitive program.
"With the program making the move to Division II, I like the challenge of coming to East Bay and the opportunity to compete in an exciting conference like the CCAA," Barcomb said. "I really felt drawn to the opportunity to build a program-to put my stamp on it."
Although Barcomb joins a program that has gone 11-43 in its last two seasons, she will not be bereft of experienced players. CSUEB returns all five of its starters from last year, including 2009-10 CCAA Freshman of the Year Lauren Lucchesi.
Barcomb said that she has yet to have an opportunity to examine her squad, and consequently was reluctant to offer an appraisal of her new program's short term prospects, though she did say "I don't really have the patience for five year plans." Barcomb did, however, give indications as to what CSUEB fans can expect going forward.
"My teams play all styles. We're defensive; we move the ball; we work to get the ball inside; and most of all, my teams are fundamentally sound," Barcomb said.
Barcomb also recognizes the important role that students and alumni play in supporting a healthy program. The new CSUEB coach said that her squad will work hard to gain the fans' loyalty.
It's going to be something we're going to try hard to do-to get the community interested and involved with our program," Barcomb said. "I want to give the community a team they can be proud of."