Southeastern Director of Athletics, Drew Watson, announced today that Tim Hays will return to the Fire as head women’s basketball coach.

Hays was named to the post earlier this year before stepping down on March 27th to pursue an NCAA Division I coaching opportunity.

“Tim called and made it clear that he regretted his decision to leave SEU and asked us to consider hiring him back,” said Watson. “After careful contemplation and another round of interviews with him, we decided that it would be in the best interest of the women’s basketball program to give Coach Hays another opportunity.”

Hays spent eight seasons as head coach at NCAA Division II Colorado Christian University. During his time in Lakewood, Hays led the Cougars to a 156-112 record, and won the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Tournament championship in 2015, earning a trip to the NCAA Tournament.

Hays also helped the Cougars win the National Christian College Athletic Association national championship in 2012, and was awarded National Coach of the Year for his efforts.

“We knew when we walked away that SEU was a very special place with tremendous potential and are extremely excited to return to Lakeland,” said Hays. “After some time away it was apparent that there was no place in the country we would rather be than Southeastern. SEU is truly a unique environment that values both excellence on and off the court as well as Christ centered values that allow us to have a much greater impact on the lives of the student-athletes. We can’t wait to get to work with this special group of young women.”

During his career, Hays has coached 23 all-conference players, four All-Americans, and five conference players of the year. He takes over a program that has gone 49-13 the last two seasons, making back-to-back NAIA Division II National Championship appearances.

“We are all aware that this is a unique situation and we don’t take this decision lightly,” added Watson. “But when you have someone of Tim’s character and caliber who is willing to ask for a second chance, it became a win-win for both him and Southeastern University. I’m excited to see how God will use Tim in the lives of the student-athletes.”

http://fire.seu.edu/news/2016/5/19/hays-returns-as-womens-basketball-coach.aspx

 

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