Kent State University women’s basketball head coach Todd Starkey has agreed to a four-year contract extension that runs through 2023, Director of Athletics Joel Nielsen announced on Wednesday.
Starkey has led the Golden Flashes to the Postseason WNIT twice during his three-year tenure and is already the program’s third-winningest coach all-time.
“It’s very exciting news that Todd will continue to lead our women’s basketball program,” said Nielsen. “In only three years at Kent State, he has won a MAC East Division title, led his team to the first WNIT victory in program history and had three Academic All-America selections. Todd and his staff have proven that they are capable of recruiting quality student-athletes, and we’re confident in his ability to bring championships to Kent State women’s basketball.”
This past season, Kent State reached the 20-win mark for the first time since 2010-11 and finished with the highest RPI ranking (81) in program history. The Flashes boasted the second highest-scoring freshman class (964 points) in the country, and more than 80-percent of the team’s overall scoring will return for the upcoming season.
“I want to thank President (Beverly) Warren, President-elect (Todd) Diacon, Joel Nielsen and Casey Cegles for their continued support of Kent State women’s basketball and confidence in our ability to lead the program going forward,” said Starkey. “This extension reflects the strong commitment to winning that this staff and group of student-athletes has displayed over the last few years. We are very excited about our future at Kent State and look forward to pursuing MAC championships in the years to come.”
Starkey had an immediate impact and guided Kent State to the 2017 Mid-American Conference East Division title while being named MAC Coach of the Year during his first season at the helm. Additionally, the Flashes boasted the nation’s largest RPI improvement, jumping 222 spots from the previous season.
The 21-year coaching veteran has effectively adapted his team’s style of play based on the personnel each year. After leading the nation in free throws made during his first season and ranking 20th during his second season, Kent State drained a school-record 241 three-point field goals this past year.
The women’s basketball program has also enjoyed much success in the classroom with Starkey at the helm. Kent State has totaled 13 Academic All-MAC recognitions over the past three seasons, while Jordan Korinek and Larissa Lurken have combined for three Academic All-America honors.
https://kentstatesports.com/news/2019/6/19/womens-basketball-starkey-earns-contract-extension.aspx
