Belmont University Director of Athletics Mike Strickland announced Monday the hiring of Cameron Newbauer as the fourth head women’s basketball coach in program history.
"We could not be more pleased that Cameron has accepted our offer to lead our women’s basketball program," Strickland said. "Throughout this process, Cameron has exceeded our expectations in every regard. His impressive background in both the women’s and men’s game speaks for itself. Yet Cameron’s character, sincerity, and enthusiasm are unmistakable and ideally suited for Belmont University."
With experience at every level, Newbauer spent this past season as an assistant coach at the University of Louisville, where he helped the Cardinals to a 29-9 record. Earning an NCAA Tournament No. 5 seed, Louisville won five consecutive games – including four over nationally-ranked opponents in Purdue, California, Tennessee, and consensus No. 1 Baylor – to reach the National Championship game. Not only did the Cardinals become the first-ever No. 5 seed or higher to win a National Semifinal, it marked Louisville’s second National Championship game appearance in five years.
Newbauer contributed to every facet of the Cardinals’ program, from recruiting and scouting to on-court instruction and player development. Louisville ranked in the Top 25 nationally in five statistical categories, including field-goal percentage, scoring offense, steals per game, turnover margin, and scoring margin.
Prior to joining the Louisville staff, Newbauer spent five seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Georgia, proving to be an integral part of the Lady Bulldogs’ brain trust under Hall of Fame head coach Andy Landers. Georgia made five straight NCAA Tournament appearances during Newbauer’s time in Athens, including consecutive Sweet 16 appearances in 2010 and 2011.
In addition to his service to the Georgia women’s basketball program, Newbauer served two stints for the Bulldog men’s basketball program; first in 2003-04 as a graduate manager and later from 2005-07 as director of basketball operations.
Postseason success also found Newbauer at Siena College. Serving first as director of basketball operations (2001-03) and later assistant coach (2004-05) under Rob Lanier, Newbauer helped the Saints cut down the nets at the 2002 MAAC Tournament and claim victory in an opening round game in the 2002 NCAA Tournament. The following year, Siena won 21 games and reached the third round of the Postseason NIT.
Newbauer has also contributed to USA Basketball, serving as an administrative assistant/manager for the U.S. National Team participating in the 2003 Junior World Championships in Greece.
A veteran of several highly-regarded camps, Newbauer has worked Five Star, Eastern Invitational, Duke University and the University of Texas.
A native of Fort Wayne, Ind., Newbauer played one season of basketball at Madonna College, before transferring to IPFW. He earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 2001, serving as a student assistant on the basketball staff as a senior. Newbauer also spent time as a varsity coach at Leo High School while completing his undergraduate studies.
