UTC women's basketball coach Jim Foster
photo by Dennis Norwood
The good news is the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga women’s basketball coach Jim Foster will be leading the Mocs efforts for at least another six years as he recently signed a contract extension through the 2020-21 season.
In two years as the head coach, the women’s basketball hall of famer has posted an overall 58-8 record, 32-0 in the Southern Conference with a pair of SoCon tournament trophies and two trips to the NCAA tournament.
The Philadelphia, Pa. native also led the Mocs to upset wins against No.4 Tennessee, 67-63, and No.7 Stanford, 54-46, last season at home.
The Mocs are 26-1 at home in the Foster Era.
“The accomplishments of our women’s basketball program have certainly exceeded our expectations,” stated UTC athletics director David Blackburn. “Coach Foster has improved upon the program’s tradition of excellence, and we want him to finish his Hall of Fame career here at UTC.”
The bad news is Geno is coming to town with his 10 national championships to take on the Mocs and that impressive home court win-loss record.
Save The Date – Nov. 30: Geno as in coach Geno Auriemma and the three-time defending national champion UConn Huskies take on the Mocs Monday Nov. 30 at McKenzie Arena.
Actually, many thought the same (uh oh, bad news) when the aforementioned Lady Vols (victory) and Stanford (another win) came to the Scenic City last fall.
On second thought, Geno and his Huskies coming to McKenzie Arena is great news.
An anticipated crowd of 8-10,000 fans will help the budget, ESPN surely will carry game highlights on SportsCenter and other national media will provide coverage and exposure for the Mocs program.
“Playing UConn on the Monday after Thanksgiving weekend is a great night to play this game,” said coach Foster who was head coach at St. Joseph’s (Philadelphia) when coach Auriemma was an assistant under Foster for the 1978-79 season.
“People will be back in town, back to work and in school after Thanksgiving and we should have a great crowd.”
Strong Schedule: While the Mocs host UConn, their away game schedule includes trips to South Florida, Tennessee and Stanford.
Looking Ahead: In 2016-17, Notre Dame and head coach Muffet McGraw (assistant to coach Foster at St. Joe’s in early 1980s) visit Chattanooga, while the Mocs travel to UConn.
Contract Details; Coach Foster’s original contract was $142,000 base pay for five years with added bonuses, including keeping the APR (academic standards) at a high level, being named coach of the year, winning the Southern Conference tournament and advancing in the NCAA.
The current contract is for six years at $182,000 with several bonus incentives (percentages on $142,000) and bonuses for his assistant coaches.
“Jim is one of the most professional people I have ever worked with, he worries about what matters and not the trivial issues of life and we are glad he is with us,” said Blackburn.
So with coach Foster under contract into the new millennium’s third decade, the Mocs returning plenty of talent, including four starters and an impressive, national schedule should make for an exciting the 2015-16 season.
And a visit from Geno and his talented Huskies Nov. 30 will make for a special night.
That’s great news.
contact B.B. Branton at william.branton@comcast.net