TicketsJuly 19, 2012
CINCINNATI - University of Cincinnati women's basketball head coach Jamelle Elliott has agreed to terms of a contract extension and will remain at the helm of the Bearcats' program through the 2017-18 season. It is a three-year extension of Elliott's contract, for a total of six years.
"Coach Elliott did a tremendous job with our program this past season, returning to postseason play and achieving the best final record in the past five seasons," said Director of Athletics Whit Babcock. "With Jamelle at the helm, I'm very confident we will continue to take steps forward in the toughest basketball conference in the country and I look forward to continued success as we grow the program on the court, in the classroom and in the community. We are extremely fortunate and pleased to have Jamelle leading our program. "
"I am excited and it is my privilege to sign a contract extension through the 2017-2018 season," Elliott said. "The support that we have received from the UC administration has been invaluable with helping us elevate our program. I would like to thank President Greg Williams, Director of Athletics Whit Babcock, Senior Woman Administrator Robin Martin and the rest of the athletic department for their belief and commitment to Cincinnati women's basketball. As a staff, we are excited and energized to 'Represent the C' and continuing our success in the future, both on the court and in the classroom."
In her third season, Elliott led UC to its most successful season in recent years. UC finished the 2011-12 season with a 16-16 record, which is a seven-game improvement from the previous season and the most wins under Elliott. The 16 victories is the most wins since 2005-06 when the Bearcats went 17-12. The Bearcats finished with a .500 record for the first time since 2006-07 and recorded four conference road wins - its most since becoming a BIG EAST member.
To cap the season, UC advanced to postseason play for the first time since 2005-06 and won its first postseason game in 10 years when it defeated Duquesne, 68-63, in overtime on March 16. It was Elliott's first career postseason victory.
Elliott arrived at Cincinnati in May 2009 after spending 16 years at Connecticut - four as a player and 12 as an assistant coach alongside Hall of Fame head coach Geno Auriemma. She was a part of six national championships, including the Huskies' 2009 undefeated championship run, and won a title as a player, helping UConn to the 1995 championship, the first in the school's history.