Head Women’s Basketball Coach Bobbi Vandenberg has announced she will be retiring from her position after 25 seasons at Viterbo University. A new head coach will be hired for the 2018-2019 season.
“I would like to first and foremost thank our wonderful alumnae who have remained connected to our program and are doing important things in their communities and/or dedicating themselves to their families,” said Vandenberg. “I am so proud to have been called ‘Coach V’ by these amazing women. I want to thank the assistant coaches who were loyal to me and the program, gave me support, helped guide our athletes, and worked tirelessly to help them improve on a daily basis.”
As the longest tenured head coach in Viterbo women’s basketball history, Vandenberg led the V-Hawks to two Midwest Collegiate Conference regular season championships as well as winning the conference tournament twice. She was named the Midwest College Conference Coach of the Year three times and ended her career ranked 15th with 318 career victories among active coaches at the NAIA Division II level.
“I would like to thank Coach Vandenberg for her 25 years of service to Viterbo University and congratulate her on an outstanding career,” said Viterbo University President Glena Temple. “She made a tremendous impact on the Viterbo women’s basketball program and no doubt on lives of her players.”
Coach V was hired in the spring of 1993 and made an immediate impact on the program during her first season on the job. She nearly doubled their regular season win total from the previous season, leading the V-Hawks to a 6-4 conference record and a trip the conference semifinals.
Seven years later, Vandenberg took Viterbo to another level. After hitting 20 wins in two of the previous three seasons, the V-Hawks finished with a record of 30-5, the winningest season in program history. Viterbo was a perfect 12-0 in conference play as well as 14-0 at home. On February 26, 2001, the V-Hawks defeated Grand View College 56-51 to win Viterbo Women’s Basketball’s first Midwest Collegiate Conference championship and advance to the NAIA National Tournament.
The V-Hawks dominated Tiffin College on March 7, 83-53, in the opening round of the NAIA Tournament. Unfortunately, their incredible season came to a close two days later, losing a tough game to Sterling College, 72-77.
Viterbo posted double-digit wins 14 times over a span of 17 seasons, starting in 1996-97. During that time period, Viterbo won their second MCC regular and tournament championships during the 2004-2005 season. After starting the season 6-13, the V-Hawks rebounded for seven consecutive victories and won 12 of their next 15 games. Their momentum led the team through the postseason for the program’s second NAIA Tournament berth.
“I am so blessed to have been surrounded by the love of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, many of whom became dear friends,” said Vandenberg is a native of Denver, Colorado and graduated from the University of Colorado in 1982, playing basketball for the Buffaloes from 1976-1979. Vandenberg. “They have given me a foundation that will be with me the rest of my life.”
Before coming to Viterbo, Coach V was the head girls’ basketball coach at Boulder High School from 1982-1987 and 1988-1992. She held a 182-28 (.867) career record at BHS and lead her teams to five state championships, including an undefeated season in 1989. Her teams also finished as state runner-ups and semi-finalists once each. Last January, she was inducted into the Colorado High School Activities Hall of Fame.
“When President Bill Medland hired me in the spring of 1993 to coach this basketball team, I never expected to be here for 25 years. I will forever be grateful for his decision to entrust me with this challenge. I love Viterbo University and the values emphasized to our students have also been imprinted on me.”
The Viterbo Athletics Department will conduct a national search for a new head women’s basketball coach starting immediately.
