Texas Tech news: Balcomb hired as associate head coach

Texas Tech has been busy today as the team has announced the hiring of Melanie Balcomb as its Associate Head Coach. Earlier today it was announced the Lady Raiders welcomed Sheryl Swoopes to the team as the Director of Player Development.

Head coach Candi Whittaker stated this on the hiring of Balcomb:

"We are very fortunate to add Melanie to our coaching staff. Melanie's long-standing success as a Division I head coach makes her an invaluable asset to our program. She knows how to win at the highest level, helping the University of South Carolina win a National Championship last season. Melanie's a proven recruiter and will benefit our team in all facets. We are excited to welcome her to the Lady Raider family."

Balcomb comes to Texas Tech after serving as the Coaching Offensive Analytics with the 2017 National Champions, South Carolina. Prior to joining Dawn Staley’s staff, Balcomb was the head coach at Vanderbilt, however, she was fired in April of 2016 after 14 seasons with the Commodores. She had an overall record of 310-149, making her Vanderbilt’s all-time winningest coach.

"I'm excited to get back on the court and help Texas Tech keep moving the needle forward in a positive way," Balcomb said in the school’s press release. "The opportunity to work with great people at a program with historical success made it an easy decision."

She has 23 years of experience coaching at the college level, including 21 years at the NCAA Divison 1 level under her belt.