News: Utah names Pacific's Lynne Roberts as their new head coach

Utah has named Pacific head coach Lynne Roberts to same position. The Utes made the announcement today, that they were hiring Roberts, who was also the 2014-15 West Coach Co-Coach of the Year. Five days ago, we mentioned that Roberts was one of the finalists. Here is part of the release:

Lynne Roberts, the 2014-15 West Coast Conference Co-Coach of the Year, has been named the new head women's basketball coach at the University of Utah, Director of Athletics Chris Hill announced Monday. A press conference introducing Roberts will be held Wednesday, Apr. 29 at 10 a.m. in the Huntsman Center.

"There was strong interest in our women's basketball position and we had some extremely good candidates," said Hill. "We felt that Lynne Roberts had all of the attributes we were looking for and we are excited to welcome her as our new head coach. Lynne is well respected in the profession, not only for her winning track record, but also for her recruiting skills, emphasis on student-athlete welfare and desire to actively engage the community. Lynne appreciates our long tradition of women's basketball success and is excited at the challenges ahead as we strive to become a leader in the Pac-12."

Roberts comes to Utah after nine seasons as the head coach at the University of Pacific in Stockton, Calif., where she was a two-time conference coach of the year (2012-13 Big West and 2014-15 West Coast Co-Coach of the Year). She led the Tigers to postseason appearances in each of the last four seasons, a program-long streak, after taking over a team that qualified for the postseason just once in school history before her arrival.

"I am extremely humbled and excited for the opportunity to coach at the University of Utah," Roberts said. "I am very appreciative of President Pershing, Chris Hill and Senior Women's Administrator Nona Richardson for the chance to work with this group of tremendous young women.

"Coming to Utah gives me an opportunity to be a part of a very special community and be a member of an incredible tradition. My highest priorities are spending time and developing relationships with the players on this team, getting to know our former players, and recruiting future Utes."

Other finalists for the job were Westminister's (NAIA) Shelly Jarrard and Albany head coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson.