When Suzy Barcomb departed in June for a job in California, the most successful women’s basketball coach in University of Puget Sound history left large shoes to fill.
The athletic department thinks it has filled them capably with the naming Thursday of former Washington Huskies star Loree Payne as Barcomb’s replacement. It is the first head coaching job for Payne, 29, who spent the past three years as an assistant on Tia Jackson’s UW staff.
Payne was on the road recruiting when she learned of her hiring at UPS.
“I am so excited to be part of the University of Puget Sound family,” Payne said in a statement released by UPS. “This is an amazing opportunity at an excellent university with a great tradition in academics and women’s basketball. I feel honored to be chosen to continue the tradition of success that has been built by Coach Barcomb and the alumna of this program.”
Athletic director Amy Hackett said Payne emerged as the top candidate in a strong group, adding: “We are extremely impressed with Loree’s enthusiasm, passion, and desire to be a part of the Puget Sound community.”
A two-time all-Pac-10 player and three-time team captain, Payne led the Huskies to three postseason appearances (2001-03), including a trip to the women’s elite eight in 2001. She still owns or shares six school records.
After leaving UW, Payne spent one season assisting at Northwest Nazarene University and three at University of Portland, then rejoined UW.
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