Collen named to WBCA Board of Directors

FAYETTEVILLE – University of Arkansas head women’s basketball coach Tom Collen became one of two new members appointed to serve on the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association Board of Directors.

Incoming WBCA president Sherri Coale, head coach at the University of Oklahoma, announced the appointment of Collen and Carmen Dolfo, head coach at Western Washington, to the 28-member board.

“Tom brings a vast amount of experience and success in women’s basketball as both an assistant coach and as a head coach,” WBCA Chief Executive Officer Beth Bass said. “I know he will immediately contribute to our already strong board, and we are looking forward to Tom’s unique take on the women’s game.”

“I am honored to be selected to become a part of the WBCA board and to represent my fellow coaches,” Collen said. “There comes a time in your career when you need to give back to the profession, and this is a chance for me to give back at the highest level.”

Collen is the first Lady Razorback coach in the 32-year history of the program to serve as a member of the WBCA Board of Directors.

“We are proud that the WBCA chose our head coach to be a part of the leadership,” UA Director of Women’s Athletics Bev Lewis said. “Tom has a great commitment to the game, and we are very pleased for him that he was recognized by his peers.”

Becoming Arkansas’ head coach at the conclusion of the 2006-07 season, Collen is the only Southeastern Conference head coach on the WBCA board for the upcoming 2007-08 academic year.

“It’s important for our conference to have a voice on the board, and I consider it privilege to provide that representation for the SEC,” Collen said.

According to the WBCA, the Board of Directors develops policies and procedures for the operation of the organization, which serves as the voice for women’s basketball at all levels.

One of the nation’s winningest women’s basketball coaches, Collen already has his 200th career victory in a short 11 seasons as a Division I head coach.

Collen gets a head start on the 2007-08 season in just over a month. The Lady Razorbacks have 10 days of practice opportunities this season in advance of a foreign tour to Canada over the Labor Day weekend.

Tickets for the upcoming 2007-08 Lady Razorback basketball season will be on sale within the next few weeks. For further information on the Lady Razorbacks, please visit the official website of the UA Women’s Athletics Department, LADYBACKS.COM.