University of Denver women’s basketball head coach Doshia Woods has completed her coaching staff for the 2020-21 season, naming her three assistants on Thursday.
Woods has hired former Pioneer and Boston College assistant Shelley Sheetz, brought Tulane Director of Women’s Basketball Operations Lindsay Werntz with her as her second assistant and promoted Denver Director of Women’s Basketball Operations David Pennewell to assistant coach.
“I am beyond thrilled to announce the completion of my staff,” Woods said. “Shelley, Lindsay and David embody the experience, passion and energy we want to build our program with. As we begin this new journey together I am fortunate to have these amazing people along my side as coaches and mentors in our DU program.”
An assistant on Erik Johnson’s Denver staff from 2008-12, Sheetz returns to the DU women’s basketball program off of three seasons at University of Loyola-Maryland. Prior to Loyola, Sheetz’s coaching experience started with a season at Washington State (1999-00), followed by four seasons at San Diego (2001-05), three seasons at Pepperdine (2005-08), four seasons at Denver (2008-12) and three seasons at Boston College (2012-15). Following the stint at Boston College, Sheetz worked for Under Armour in Nashville and then became the Kay Yow Cancer Fund coordinator of Play4Kay. Sheetz is known for her player development, primarily working with guards and serving as the Greyhounds Recruiting Coordinator. During her first stint at Denver, Sheetz helped point guard Emiko Smith set a school record in assists with 725 and assisted the Pioneers to the 2011 WNIT. In Denver, Sheetz coached 1,000 point scorers Brianna Culberson, Britteni Rice and Morgan Van Riper-Rose. Rice (2010,11), Culberson (2011) and Smith (2012) all earned All-Sun Belt Conference honors during Sheetz time with the Pioneers.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be joining Doshia’s staff,” Sheetz said. “She is well-respected in the basketball community, and I am honored and very grateful to be a part of her staff.”
Werntz comes to Denver after eight seasons with Woods and the Tulane staff as the Director of Women’s Basketball Operations for the Green Wave. While with Tulane, Werntz coordinated game scheduling and travel, oversaw the operating budget and the Mentor Program and served as liaison with the equipment staff. Prior to joining the Green Wave’s staff, Werntz was the top assistant for two seasons at Loyola University New Orleans where she helped the Wolfpack to a combined record of 43-18 and a 20-10 mark in conference play. Werntz helped guide the program to the NAIA National Tournament in 2011-12, finishing 23-6 and 14-4 in the league. Prior to her stint in New Orleans, Werntz was the head coach in 2007-08 at Hill College, and held other assistant positions at Nevada (2006-07), Midland College (2004-06) and Florida Gulf Coast (2002-03). Werntz played her college basketball at Purdue Fort Wayne.
“I could not be more excited to be a part of the University of Denver women’s basketball staff,” Werntz said. “Doshia Woods is a positive leader who I look forward to continuing to learn from each day. I can’t wait to get on the court to get to work with this special group of young women.”
Pennewell stays on the Denver women’s basketball staff after finishing his first year as the Director of Women’s Basketball Operations on the DU campus last season. Prior to Denver, Pennewell served in various roles within the Purdue women’s basketball program, spending six years in West Lafayette before coming to the Mile High City. Pennewell finished his time at Purdue as a graduate assistant in 2017-18 and 2018-19. While at Purdue, and in his first year at Denver, Pennewell organized and planned travel logistics, including hotels, meals and transportation. As an undergraduate at Purdue, Pennewell served as the head student-manager for the women’s basketball program.
“I want to start by thanking the University of Denver administration, Karlton Creech, Lynn Coutts and especially Coach Woods, for this exciting opportunity,” Pennewell said. “I’m extremely grateful and thrilled to help continue the development of our young women into champions both on and off the court. This is a special program, and I’m excited to get to work with this team and staff.”
Woods was named the program’s 11th head women’s basketball coach on July 21 after 19 seasons as a Division I assistant, including the last 10 at Tulane.
