Nebraska-Kearney Athletic Director Marc Bauer announced today that head women’s basketball coach Carrie Eighmey has signed a contract extension through the 2023-24 season.
“It’s a great day for Loper Athletics and our Women’s Basketball program. Carrie is one of the most outstanding young coaches in the game. Her energy, determination, intelligence, and care for her players show she is focused on doing the right things,” Bauer said. “I am impressed with Carrie’s relentless work ethic and focus on establishing a championship-level program that has led to this incredible rise and success of the program.”
Over the last six years Eighmey and her staff have guided a rebuild of UNK women’s basketball. Finishing 23-4 (19-3 MIAA) last winter, the Lopers won the MIAA Tournament championship and reached the NCAA “Sweet Sixteen” for the third time in program history. Prior to her arrival, the Lopers had won 58 games over six seasons.
“I am so grateful to Chancellor Kristensen, Dr. Bauer, and the entire UNK community for their incredible support of our women’s basketball program over the past several years,” Eighmey said. “Devin and I couldn’t be more excited to continue leading this program and the tremendous student-athletes we have the privilege of working alongside each and every day.”
The 2020-21 NCAA Division II World Exposure Women’s College Basketball Head Coach of the Year, Eighmey has 113 wins at UNK, seen her team finish in the top eight in the MIAA every year, and become the first female head coach to win the MIAA tourney in 23 years. Finally, the Lopers have won 49 of its last 59 games.
“Carrie is a proven winner. Her passion for leading and hunger for excellence has led to a remarkable turnaround in the program, putting them among the elite in NCAA Division II,” Bauer said. “Not only does Carrie know how to teach the game, but she’s a tremendous role model and mentor for young women and an outstanding ambassador for the University. We are proud to have her at the helm, and we look forward to many more successful seasons.”
The new contract took effect on April 1, 2021, with Eighmey receiving additional compensation for serving as the “Loper Women Leadership Mentor.” In this new capacity she will work with current female UNK head, assistant and graduate assistant coaches.
“We have experienced a steadfast support from our administration, boosters, and fans as we have worked to steadily and gradually build this program into what it is today. We absolutely love being a part of this community and we’re looking forward to the continued success of the Loper Women’s Basketball program!” said Eighmey.
The Lopers return the majority of its roster off last year’s nationally-ranked squad. UNK officially begins practice on October 15 with the 2021-22 season kicking off against Minnesota-Crookston on November 12 in Maryville, Mo.
