In keeping with the theme of returning coaches, head women’s basketball coach Stephanie McCormick announced the addition Stacy Cantley as an assistant coach. Cantley previously served as an assistant on former catamount women’s basketball head Coach Beth Dunkenberger’s staff from 2001-04.
“Stacy brings a tremendous work ethic and 15 years of division one experience being involved in just about every aspect of coaching,” McCormick said. “She is known for her passion for the student-athlete and individual player development. I feel very comfortable with Stacy by my side aiding me on the day-to-day operations of the program as well as the on court x’s & o’s.”
“When Coach McCormick asked me to return to Cullowhee, I only hesitated for a moment before saying “yes”,” Cantley admitted. “Cullowhee is a special place and Western Carolina has this amazing family atmosphere, and it is a blessing to come back.” Cantley coached for three seasons at Western Carolina from 2001-04. The Catamounts won 21 games in 2002-03 behind first-team All-Southern Conference selection, Jennifer Gardner.
“Stacy is a great fit for Catamount Athletics and the women’s basketball program because she understands and embraces the dynamics of living in Cullowhee,” McCormick said. “There is no doubt that she will be able to bring talent to Western Carolina because she already has an in-depth love for the purple and gold- plus she’s done it all here before.”
“I am excited about getting started working with the players,” Cantley said. “Returning to coach at Western Carolina, I think, is a huge recruiting tool because you can tell players the school is so amazing you had to come back. Plus, when you get a player on campus, I really think WCU sells itself.”
Cantley comes to Western Carolina after spending four seasons as an assistant coach at Wisconsin. She coached the Badgers’ post players and in 2014 and aided Michala Johnson to first-team All-Big Ten honors. Cantley also helped guide Jacki Gulczynski to honorable mention All-Big Ten honors in 2013. While in her first season, she aided forward Anya Covington to consensus honorable mention All-Big Ten honors.
Prior to Wisconsin Cantley served as as an assistant coach at Virginia Tech for seven years alongside Dunkenberger. She coached with UW head coach Bobbie Kelsey for three seasons from 2004-07. The Hokies advanced to three post-season tournaments, including two NCAA tournament appearances. Tech advanced to the second round of the post-season classic in 2005 and 2006. Cantley coached two-time All-Atlantic Coast Conference honoree Kerri Gardin and Nare Daiwara, the highest WNBA draftee in Virginia Tech history.
Before her first stint at Western Carolina, Cantley coached at her alma mater, UNC Wilmington, for three seasons. She aided the Seahawks to the championship game of the Colonial Athletic Association tournament in 2000 with an 18-12 record.
http://www.catamountsports.com/sports/w-baskbl/spec-rel/051515aaa.html
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