Robin Potera Named Montana State University Women's Basketball Coach
4/12/2001 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
been named women's basketball coach at Montana State
University, announced MSU co-chairs of the search committee,
Calli Sanders and Mary Bushing.
Potera, who has recorded a 39-15 record in two seasons at the
NCAA Division II school, guided the Lady Rams to a 21-6
ledger this winter, including a second place finish in the
Heartland Conference. The mark was the best record in 15
years at the school. Texas Wesleyan also achieved the highest
ranking in school history, reaching No. 4 in the South Central
region. Her squad also earned over a 3.30 grade-point
average, as well.
I really feel that Montana State is the place I'm meant to be,
Potera said. I'm ecstatic about the opportunity that lies ahead
of us at Montana State. I'm excited about a challenging, new opportunity. We'll do everything
in our power to have the women's program vying for the conference championship, next
season.
Bozeman is a great basketball town and the fans that I met during the interview process were
very knowledgeable. There is a lot of talent in Montana and we would like to keep the best
players in state. I like to put my personal stamp on the women's program and we'll be very
visible in town and throughout the Gallatin Valley. Our fans will play an important role in our
success.
Prior to coaching at Texas Wesleyan, Potera served for five seasons at Austin College,
amassing an 85-47 overall mark. In her last three years with the Lady Kangaroos, she notched
at least 20-wins per season. Austin College was selected to play in the 1996-97 NAIA
tournament and in the 1998 and 1999 NCAA Division III tourneys, advancing to two Sweet
16 appearances. Potera's 1996-97 squad was ranked No. 21 in the final NAIA poll, as a
non-scholarship school competing against scholarship squads.
Coach Potera has a tremendous amount of energy and enthusiasm and I'm confident that she'll
continue the level of excellence within our women's basketball program, Sanders said. She'll
also bring a different angle to the recruiting process with her contacts around the nation. Coach
Potera is also committed to signing the top players in Montana, as well.
At Austin College, Potera won two conference coach of the year honors and led the Lady
Kangaroos to top 25 recognition by the Women's Basketball Coaching Association for
academic achievement. Prior to her tenure at Austin College, she served for six years at
Wilmer Hutchins High School in Dallas, recording a 135-50 mark.
Coach Potera has been successful in every endeavor and facet of her career, said MSU Vice
President of Student Affairs, Dr. Allen Yarnell, who oversees Bobcat Athletics. She had
overwhelming support from those who have worked with her over the course of her basketball
career. She is a high caliber coach and person.
Potera graduated with a degree in physical education from Evangel College in Springfield,
Missouri in 1984 and earned her master's degree in physical education from Stephen F. AustinUniversity in 1985, where she served as a graduate assistant with the Lady Jack women'sbasketball program.
I was impressed with the wide range of positive regards towards Coach Potera during our siteevaluation, said MSU Athletics Director, Chuck Lindemenn. Everyone from the Universitypresident, fellow coaches, support staff and current players held her in high esteem. I'mconfident that she'll continue to move the Bobcat women's basketball program on a steadycourse to success.
Potera will begin her duties at Montana State University on Monday.
University, announced MSU co-chairs of the search committee,
Calli Sanders and Mary Bushing.
Potera, who has recorded a 39-15 record in two seasons at the
NCAA Division II school, guided the Lady Rams to a 21-6
ledger this winter, including a second place finish in the
Heartland Conference. The mark was the best record in 15
years at the school. Texas Wesleyan also achieved the highest
ranking in school history, reaching No. 4 in the South Central
region. Her squad also earned over a 3.30 grade-point
average, as well.
I really feel that Montana State is the place I'm meant to be,
Potera said. I'm ecstatic about the opportunity that lies ahead
of us at Montana State. I'm excited about a challenging, new opportunity. We'll do everything
in our power to have the women's program vying for the conference championship, next
season.
Bozeman is a great basketball town and the fans that I met during the interview process were
very knowledgeable. There is a lot of talent in Montana and we would like to keep the best
players in state. I like to put my personal stamp on the women's program and we'll be very
visible in town and throughout the Gallatin Valley. Our fans will play an important role in our
success.
Prior to coaching at Texas Wesleyan, Potera served for five seasons at Austin College,
amassing an 85-47 overall mark. In her last three years with the Lady Kangaroos, she notched
at least 20-wins per season. Austin College was selected to play in the 1996-97 NAIA
tournament and in the 1998 and 1999 NCAA Division III tourneys, advancing to two Sweet
16 appearances. Potera's 1996-97 squad was ranked No. 21 in the final NAIA poll, as a
non-scholarship school competing against scholarship squads.
Coach Potera has a tremendous amount of energy and enthusiasm and I'm confident that she'll
continue the level of excellence within our women's basketball program, Sanders said. She'll
also bring a different angle to the recruiting process with her contacts around the nation. Coach
Potera is also committed to signing the top players in Montana, as well.
At Austin College, Potera won two conference coach of the year honors and led the Lady
Kangaroos to top 25 recognition by the Women's Basketball Coaching Association for
academic achievement. Prior to her tenure at Austin College, she served for six years at
Wilmer Hutchins High School in Dallas, recording a 135-50 mark.
Coach Potera has been successful in every endeavor and facet of her career, said MSU Vice
President of Student Affairs, Dr. Allen Yarnell, who oversees Bobcat Athletics. She had
overwhelming support from those who have worked with her over the course of her basketball
career. She is a high caliber coach and person.
Potera graduated with a degree in physical education from Evangel College in Springfield,
Missouri in 1984 and earned her master's degree in physical education from Stephen F. AustinUniversity in 1985, where she served as a graduate assistant with the Lady Jack women'sbasketball program.
I was impressed with the wide range of positive regards towards Coach Potera during our siteevaluation, said MSU Athletics Director, Chuck Lindemenn. Everyone from the Universitypresident, fellow coaches, support staff and current players held her in high esteem. I'mconfident that she'll continue to move the Bobcat women's basketball program on a steadycourse to success.
Potera will begin her duties at Montana State University on Monday.
Wednesday, June 10
Friday, March 27
Monday, March 23
Friday, March 13
