FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 2009

Ronda Hubbard elevated to position of Associate Head Coach

Joplin, Mo. -  Ronda Hubbard, an assistant women’s basketball coach at Missouri Southern State University for the past eight seasons, has been appointed associate head coach as announced by Director of Athletics Jared Bruggeman and head coach Maryann Mitts.

“Coach Hubbard is one of the most knowledgeable coaches in the college game. Her work ethic and devotion to our basketball program over the last nine years has been an essential component in our consistent and continued success,” said Mitts. “This recognition gives her the respect in the title that she has so earned from her players and colleagues. It is long overdue.”

Hubbard serves as recruiting coordinator for the Lions while also overseeing travel, scheduling, scouting, and equipment. She is also the academic coordinator and guard position coach for the Lions.

“I am honored to be recognized by Jared and Maryann as such an integral part of the women’s basketball program.” Hubbard stated. “Missouri Southern is an outstanding university with exceptional people and I feel very blessed to be a part of it.”

Hubbard began at Missouri Southern as an assistant coach in 2001. She had spent the previous season at NCAA Division I University of Texas-Pan American University and four seasons at Rockhurst University.

During Hubbard’s tenure, the Lions have amassed eight straight winning seasons, making the MIAA Post-Season Tournament each of those years. The Lions have averaged 17 wins during that time span and have narrowly missed the NCAA Tournament during five of those eight seasons. Missouri Southern women’s basketball had won a total of 25 games in four years prior to her arrival.

Upon arriving at Missouri Southern three months ago, Bruggeman noticed Hubbard’s significance immediately. “I wasn’t here very long before it became abundantly clear how much Coach Hubbard means to the Women’s Basketball Program, the Athletics Department and Missouri Southern in general. This promotion is based on years of hard work, dedication and loyalty to MSSU and I can’t think of anyone more deserving.”

Hubbard earned her bachelor’s degree from Missouri State University in Springfield, MO and was a favorite LADY BEAR in the late eighties. She earned her master’s degree in Education/Athletic Administration from the Southwest Baptist University while helping the Lady Bearcats to an NCAA Tournament bid as an assistant coach. She acquired her Education Specialist degree in Education/Urban Policy Studies from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She also serves as an instructor for upper level courses in the Kinesiology Department at Missouri Southern.