Wingate, N.C.----Wingate University begins a search for a head women’s basketball coach this week, vice-president and director of athletics
Steve Poston announces Friday. Previous Bulldog head women’s basketball coach
Barbara Nelson has resigned her position to pursue other career opportunities.
“We are grateful for Coach Nelson’s service to Wingate University,” Poston says. “We wish Coach Nelson well in her future endeavors.” Nelson led the Bulldogs to the NCAA post-season in three of her five seasons. Wingate won two South Atlantic Conference tournament crowns and one regular season title under her watch.
In 2012, Wingate advanced to the Sweet 16. In 2008, Nelson helped the Bulldogs win the regional title en route to the program’s third NCAA Elite Eight visit. In 34 senior college seasons, Wingate women’s basketball has 721 victories and 292 losses. Since joining the SAC in 1990, the Bulldogs have won 11 regular season titles and seven Food Lion SAC tournament crowns.
Wingate leads the SAC with 12 appearances in the NCAA Division II national tournament. The Bulldogs have an overall NCAA tourney record of 16-12 with Elite Eight appearances in 1995, 1996 and 2008. “We will move quickly to find a new coach for our outstanding women's basketball team,” Poston says.
WINGATE UNIVERSITY
Founded in 1896, Wingate University is a comprehensive university with more than 2,500 students on three campuses in Wingate, Matthews and Hendersonville, N.C. The university offers 34 undergraduate majors, 37 minors and career concentrations, numerous pre-professional programs, graduate degrees in business, accounting, physician assistant studies and sports administration and doctorates in pharmacy and education.
Wingate students gain the tools and support they need to excel in academics and apply that learning toward an extraordinary career and life. The campus community offers in-class learning, out-of-class experiences, strong mentors, a competitive yet caring environment and rewarding community service opportunities for a complete educational experience.
Bulldog student-athletes compete in 19 NCAA Division II sports. Wingate University has won the South Atlantic Conference Echols Athletic Excellence Award for the past six years.
Wingate University is ranked number three among NCAA Division II Academic All-America® producing schools in the 2000’s with 42 honorees during this millennium. Only Pittsburg State (Kan.) University and Truman State (Mo.) University have produced more Academic All-America® honorees during this time period. Wingate’s 51 Academic All-America® honorees (lifetime) is tops among all SAC schools.
