Delaware has signed head women’s basketball coach Natasha Adair to a five-year contract extension through the 2027-28 season, it was announced today by Chrissi Rawak, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation Services.
Through four seasons with the Blue Hens, Adair has compiled a 71-50 record and led the women’s basketball program to the semifinals of the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT) in 2021.
“I am incredibly excited and proud to have Coach Adair continuing to lead our women’s basketball program for the next 7 years,” Rawak said. “Her passion for the game and developing her student-athletes in all areas of their lives is second to none. She is a tremendous leader not just for women’s basketball, but also within Delaware Athletics and the University. Our future continues to be bright with Coach Adair at the helm!”
Adair and the Blue Hens are coming off an incredible 2020-21 campaign that saw Delaware defeat Fordham, Clemson, and Villanova to win the WNIT Charlotte Regional and advance to the semifinals.
“I’m truly honored and humbled by the support from President Assanis and his wife Eleni as well as our esteemed Athletics Director, Chrissi Rawak,” said Adair. “Thank you all for believing in my vision and trusting me to lead not only our program but our amazing young women. I’m grateful to all of the players, staff, fans, parents and supporters who invest in and support our women’s basketball program relentlessly. Thank you to my staff for your consistency and commitment to excellence.”
Adair and Co. went 24-5 overall and 16-2 in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) to win the regular season crown. The Blue Hens knocked off two Power 5 teams during non-conference play and earned the No. 1 seed in the CAA Tournament. Adair was named the CAA Coach of the Year, Jasmine Dickey earned CAA Player of the Year honors, and the Blue Hens placed a pair of players on the all-conference team.
The Blue Hens won nine consecutive games to start the New Year, leading to Delaware receiving votes in the USA Today/WBCA Top 25 Coaches Poll and a steady presence in the CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major Top 25 Poll throughout the season.
Delaware’s 2020-21 squad featured a lineup of nine players that competed in at least 26 of UD’s 29 games. The Blue Hens ranked in the Top 25 in the nation in offensive rebounds per game (1st), rebound margin (12th), and scoring margin (25th).
Jasmine Dickey led the nation in field goal attempts, ranked third in free throws made, fourth in final points, and sixth in field goals made. Ty Battle ranked second in the nation in double-doubles, fifth in offensive rebounds per game, and sixth in rebounds.
Delaware achieved numerous feats this past season. It was the first CAA Regular Season Championship since 2012-13, the best overall record since 2012-13 (19-3), the best CAA record since 2012-13 (16-2), wins over both an ACC team and a Big East team in the same season since 2012-13, and an undefeated home record (11-0) for the first time since 2011- 12. The Blue Hens also set program records for points (111) and rebounds (71) in a single game.
When Adair arrived in 2017, the Blue Hens registered 19 wins in her first season and made their first postseason appearance in four years. From there, Delaware has finished with a .500 or better record in three out of four seasons. Under Adair’s leadership, Delaware has had a pair of Blue Hens earn player of the year accolades – the only CAA school to do so in that span – and six players receive all-conference honors. Three players have been named to the all-defensive team, while another three have earned all-rookie team honors.
“The University of Delaware is my home and it’s built on legacy, family, community and a rich tradition of success. To be a Blue Hen means that you are committed to inclusive excellence, you’re inspired by greatness and sustainable success on and off the playing field,” Adair said. “I’m excited about continuing to build one of the most elite programs in the country at any level. Being elite is a state of mind, and Blue Hen Nation I could not do it with you! Go Hens!”
Adair has also shined on the global stage, having served on three USA Basketball staffs, including most recently the 2019 USA Basketball Women’s U19 World Cup Team, which won a gold medal. Adair was also an assistant for the 2018 USA Women’s U18 National Team, which she helped lead to a 6-0 record and a gold medal at the 2018 FIBA Americas U18 Championship. The Blue Hens have had three former players Alison Lewis, Makeba Nicolas and Nicole Enabosi compete professionally.
https://bluehens.com/news/2021/7/8/womens-basketball-adair-receives-contract-extension-through-2027-28-season.aspx
