Maren (MARR-en) Walseth has been named the 10th head women’s basketball coach in North Dakota State history, NDSU women’s athletic director Lynn Dorn announced Monday, April 14. Walseth replaces Carolyn DeHoff, who resigned after six seasons at NDSU.

"I want to thank Lynn, Gene and President Bresciani for extending this opportunity to me. I am extremely excited to join the Bison family and the Fargo community," Walseth said. "The commitment to winning on and off the court is well established at NDSU. I am looking forward to getting to work and starting the climb to the top."

Walseth joins the Bison after spending the past seven years as an assistant coach at Big Ten power Penn State University in State College, Pa., where she helped the Lady Lions to three Big Ten championships, four NCAA tournament appearances and two NCAA Sweet 16 appearances.

"I am very pleased to welcome Maren Walseth as the new head women’s basketball coach to lead our program," Dorn said. "Maren’s basketball experiences as a Women’s Final Four participant, a WNBA professional, and as a seven-year assistant coach at a top-25 NCAA Division I institution highlight her credentials. She has been associated with success throughout her playing and coaching career."

At Penn State, Walseth was primarily responsible for coaching the post players while also playing a significant role in recruiting and opponent scouting efforts. She was the lead academic liaison for the Lady Lions and coached 32 Academic All-Big Ten recipients.

"North Dakota State is getting a gem in Maren Walseth," Penn State women’s basketball head coach Coquese Washington said. "She is an outstanding coach who will work tirelessly to build NDSU into a Summit League power. She is a winner, both as a player and coach, and she will bring that winning spirit and ethic to North Dakota State women’s basketball."

Prior to becoming an assistant at Penn State, Walseth spent three years as an assistant coach at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. While at Navy, she assisted with recruiting as well as on-court player development and scouting, and was also the academic liaison for the Midshipmen.

"Maren understands and values success on the court and in the classroom. Her commitment to the student-athlete is in keeping with the University’s student-focused mission," Dorn said. "Maren’s leadership skills will be evident as she has been very involved in both university and community relationships. We are very excited to have Maren and her family join Bison Nation."

A native of Bloomington, Minn., Walseth was a two-time All-Big Ten selection and a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree as a forward at Penn State from 1997-2002. She was also a key member of the 2000 Lady Lion team that advanced to the Final Four and claimed the Big Ten conference championship. Walseth also was a member of the 1998 WNIT championship team. She graduated from Penn State in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in communications.

Walseth was drafted by the Sacramento Monarchs in the third-round of the 2001 WNBA draft and spent four years playing professionally. She played for the Washington Mystics of the WNBA in 2002 before spending two years playing professionally in France. Walseth also spent a season with the Women’s National Basketball League’s (NWBL) Colorado Chill.

Walseth’s sister, Annika, played for NDSU during the 2007-08 season.

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