She mastered dribbling and finishing with either hand and progressed into a player who won two state championships at Kickapoo High School, where her teams went 109-9 (.924). In 2020-21, GCU ranked second nationally for steals (13.4 per game) and turnover margin (plus-8.4 per game) while also coming in fourth for turnovers forced (23.3 per game). The virtuosic Molly Miller on her magical 335 and guitar becoming a Grand Canyon's aspirations to rise in Division I women's basketball will be in the hands of new Lopes head coach Molly Miller, a two-time Division II Coach of the Year who leads all active college basketball coaches in winning percentage.. GCU named Miller, 34, as its new head coach Tuesday after she posted an astounding 180-17 record over the past six years at her alma mater, Drury . At every step, she has been a determined winner. Molly Miller (@coach_mollymiller) Instagram photos and videos She also served as a head coach at NAIA St. Ambrose in Davenport, Iowa, from 2005-07. 12 Apr 2019 News Drury University women's basketball head coach Molly Miller has agreed to terms with the institution on a contract extension that will run through the 2021-22 season. Miller builds program on, off court - Grand Canyon University Athletics "I love this game and everything that is has given to me so I want to give back to it and my players so they can find as much joy and love for the game," Miller said. Eagan said she barely got the chance to talk to Miller as both start to settle into their new coaching roles. I think we can make a big splash. Molly Miller - Women's Basketball Coach - Grand Canyon University Athletics ATLANTA Molly Miller, head coach at Drury University, has been named the 2020 United States Marine Corps/WBCA NCAA Division II National Coach of the Year, the Women's Basketball Coaches . Facebook gives people the power to. 580 following. I have had the privilege to get to know President Mueller and the athletic director, Jamie Boggs, in the recent days, and the enthusiasm of these incredible leaders certainly helped solidify my decision, Miller said. If an undefeated mark does not state Drury's dominance under Miller enough, the Panthers also led Division II in scoring margin for the past two seasons, winning by an average of 27.9 points per game in 2018-19 and an average of 28.5 points per game this season. Her work ethic and loyalty are unmatched, and her outstanding character sets the bar high. 2023 Western Athletic Conference. Miller and her husband, Derek, are raising a 3-year-old daughter, Crosby, and a 3-month-old son, Cy. What Happened to Molly Miller and Colt Haynes? What We Know - Oprah Daily HomeBusiness NewsMolly Miller brings winningest college coaching record to GCU. She took a pay cut to return to Drury as an assistant coach for two seasons before being elevated to Panthers interim head coach, a title that lost the "interim" tag after a 7-2 start. She was studying to become a nurse. If an undefeated mark does not state Drurys dominance under Miller enough, the Panthers also led Division II in scoring margin for her last two seasons there. Eagan's Truman State team won the Great Lakes Valley Conference title in her first season in 2013-14 and she finished her career as the program's all-time leader in coaching wins with a record of 111-62. Miller and her husband, Derek, have two children, Crosby and Cy. Drury has been a Division II power since Miller played there (2004-08) as a 5-foot-6 point guard who started for four seasons. Veteran forward Tiarra Brown, who enters her junior season and third under Miller, was selected to the Second Team and returns as the leading scorer for the Lopes with 9.5 points and 4.8 rebounds in 2021-22. In two seasons in Phoenix, Millers high-pressure defense and up-tempo offense has seen GCU rank nationally in steals per game and turnovers forced per game. "She was one of my biggest supporters and she really, really helped me through this process," Eagan said. "With the resources and the excitement behind the athletic program and specifically the women's basketball program, there's real momentum there. Miller holds the highest career winning percentage (.892) of any NCAA men's or women's basketball coach . Im super-competitive, Miller said. She has tremendous character, is passionate about her faith and will be a wonderful leader for our student-athletes. The .914 winning percentage tops any active Division I, II or III mens or womens basketball head coach with at least five years of experience and includes a stunning 67-1 mark over the past two seasons. The competitive fire of a 2008 Division II third-team All-American has translated to coaching. At GCU, Miller has compiled a 40-17 (.702) overall record and a 22-8 (.733) conference mark while solidifying GCU Arena as one of the toughest places to play with a 24-4 (.857) record at home. Copyright 2023 AZ Big Media | All Rights Reserved | Site by Blufish, PNC survey shows small business owners see bright future, Ranking Arizona: Top 10 mechanical contractors for 2023, Goodyear takes next steps to make new downtown a reality. Molly Miller and Colt Haynes Vanish in the Night After High - Medium Sophomore transfer Aaliyah Collins was tabbed to the First Team after finishing third in the WAC in steals per game (2.52) in and fourth in steals (68) a season ago. For the first time ever, her basketball career has taken her outside of Springfield, as she embarks on a new journey as head coach of the GCU Antelopes. Drury ended the year with a number three national ranking after being ranked number one in the coaches' poll throughout the second half of the season. Both Mueller and Boggs raved about Millers character and leadership upon hiring her last year, and it already shows during her short time here in the Valley. Grand Canyon University head coach Molly Miller joins the Basketball Podcast to discuss full-court pressure and playing uptempo.Miller holds the highest care. 1 every week in the Division II poll. 584 posts. Her teams were top-5 in the nation in five different defensive statistical categories. 224-34 (.868) Molly Miller is leading the Grand Canyon women's basketball program for her third season as Lopes head coach after taking over the program on April 7, 2020. Drury will also start '19-20 season with a 40-game . Molly Miller agrees to three-year contract extension with Drury Drury has won the Great Lakes Valley Conference in four consecutive seasons (no team previously had won more than two in a row) as Miller went 105-5 in conference play (55-0 at home) over her six-year tenure. Growing up in Springfield as Molly Carter, she found her love of basketball at age 8 as a ball girl for national power Southwest Missouri State (now Missouri State). The 2021-22 season concluded in the WNIT first round, the first WNIT berth for the Lopes in program history. Molly Miller Post Game | Feb.27 vs Seattle - YouTube Growing up in Springfield as Molly Carter, she found her love of basketball at age 8 as a ball girl for national power Southwest Missouri State (now Missouri State). We'll have an exciting brand of basketball to play." She took a pay cut to return to Drury as an assistant coach for two seasons before being elevated to interim head coach, a title that lost the interim tag after a 7-2 start. Millers teams defend with the intensity and trapping that was her trademark as a player. GCU finished third in the country in steals per game (12.6), steals (404) and 10th in turnovers forced (21.72) a season ago. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. The Basketball Podcast: EP186 with Molly Miller on Pressing - YouTube "Her basketball record is nothing short of incredible but even more important is who she is as a person. All Molly Miller did in Springfield was win. At GCU, Miller has compiled a 40-17 (.702) overall record and a 22-8 (.733) conference mark while solidifying GCU Arena as one of the toughest places to play with a 24-4 (.857) record at home. Coach Molly Miller (@MollyMiller33) / Twitter Last month, Womens Basketball Coaches Association Executive Director Danielle Donehew called Miller a rising star after her peers named her the Division II Coach of the Year for the second consecutive year. 1 every week in the Division II poll. 1 for every week of the Division II poll up until the NCAA tournament cancellation. The competitive fire of a 2008 Division II third-team All-American has translated to coaching. Miller's competitive fire that made her a Division II third-team All-American in 2008 has translated to coaching. Molly Miller Balances Basketball & Motherhood - YouTube Drury has been a Division II power since Miller played there (2004-08) as a 5-foot-6 point guard who started for four seasons. Over her six-year Drury career, Miller is 128-8. Her leadership capabilities and strong faith background make her an ideal representative of the University. Her basketball record is nothing short of incredible but even more important is who she is as a person. We're going to be very family-oriented at GCU. Miller enters the 2022-23 season with an .866 winning percentage, second highest among active Division I head coaches, .19 behind UConn's Geno Auriemma. Former Springfield & Drury star Molly Miller having success in Arizona Founded, monitored, and run by college coaches. 2020 40 Under 40: Molly Miller, 34 | Springfield Business Journal Drury. Miller left the Lady Panthers for Division I Grand Canyon on Wednesday, Drury announced Amy Eagan would be promoted to the head coaching position, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Miller went 180-17 in her eight years at her alma mater Drury in Springfield, Mo., the highest winning percentage for any NCAA D. II coach. Last month, Women's Basketball Coaches Association Executive Director Danielle Donehew called Miller "a rising star" after her peers named her the Division II Coach of the Year for the second consecutive year. Head Coach Molly Miller (joined by Cy and Crosby) speaks with the media after GCU Women's Basketball defeats Seattle 80-64.Grand Canyon University, Arizonas premier, private Christian university, helps students find their purpose with next- generation education, including over 200 academic programs with over 150 online programs. Jody Adams-Birch takes over at New Mexico State, NM State will not renew the contract of WBB Head Coach Atkinson, OFFICIAL: Gottlieb added to Grand Canyon WBB staff, Graduate Assistant Lawrence Technological University, Head Womens Basketball Coach Defiance College, Head Womens Basketball Coach University of Wisconsin River Falls. Her Panthers teams held a stunning 67-1 mark over her last two seasons at her hometown university in Springfield, Missouri. Drury will also start '19-20 season with a 40-game . She took a pay cut to return to Drury as an assistant coach for two seasons before being elevated to Panthers interim head coach, a title that lost the interim tag after a 7-2 start. Molly Miller named Head Women's Basketball Coach at Grand Canyon In 2020-21, GCU ranked second nationally for steals (13.4 per game) and turnover margin (plus-8.4 per game) while also coming in fourth for turnovers forced (23.3 per game). She challenges them on the court, invests in their lives off the court and keeps an open-door policy to form long-term relationships. Molly Miller's tenure as the Lady Panthers head coach saw another magical season under her leadership as Drury went 35-1, advanced to the NCAA-II national semifinals, . Her basketball record is nothing short of incredible but even more important is who she is as a person. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. Instead of continuing on as the Truman State head coach, she decided to leave to become an assistant at Drury. "I look forward to a seamless transition for our basketball program and the fun journey that lies ahead for our university, our players, our fans and our community." Bray started to gather a shortlistjust in case someone hired Miller away. #LopesUp 0:43 1K views GCU Havocs and 3 others Coach Molly Miller Retweeted The Lopes were picked third in the WAC Preseason Coaches Poll with two on the preseason All-Conference team. The Lady Panthers became the first team in GLVC history to win three league titles in a row and were the first team ever to go unbeaten during the regular season and win the conference tournament in the same year. 0:04 0:33 Molly Miller has known two things her entire basketball career: winning and doing it in Springfield. When you work hard and strive for great things and you're a good person, you want to achieve great things and that's what you can do with the support here and the resources here.". Miller's teams have played with frenetic energy to dominate in Division II and she exudes a similar intensity on the sideline. You can also sign up for his free "Bears Beat" newsletter by subscribing on News-Leader.com. But since Miller took over as head coach at age 28 in 2014, she pushed the Panthers to the best all-time winning percentage (.827) in Division II history. Miller recruits players with a similar hunger to win and work to improve. GCU named Miller, 34, as its new head coach Tuesday after she posted an astounding 180-17 record over . "I'm super-competitive," Miller said. Player Season Finder . The Lady Panthers won their first 35 games before falling in the Division II NCAA Tournament semifinals. On the heels of Mother's Day, GCU Women's Basketball Head Coach Molly Miller shares a glimpse inside her family. She guided Drury to the Division II Final Four last year and a 32-0 record this season, when she put the Panthers at No. The 2021-22 season concluded in the WNIT first round, the first WNIT berth for the Lopes in program history. She inherits a team from Nicole Powell that went 15-12 . Visit gcu.edu Years later, she became the school's head coach. Molly Miller is in her sixth season as the Lady Panthers head coach. In turn, her teams have played uptempo, player-predicated motion offense that averaged 90.2 points per game this season. Miller recruits players with a similar hunger to win and work to improve. Miller's hustle-oriented teams defend with the intensity and trapping that was her trademark as a player. Miller maintained Drury's tradition upon becoming head coach at age 28 and she ascended the program to reach the 2019 Division II Final Four and post a 32-0 record in 2019-20, when the Panthers were ranked No. Molly Miller Mother "She Took Her Own Life" - TheCount.com Molly Miller Life is good Grand Canyon University Head Womens Bball Coach #lopesup . This year's team was 32-0, 20-0 in GLVC Conference play. This exciting style of basketball led Drury to the third-highest average attendance (1,768) in Division II during her final season, despite only having 1,500 undergraduate students on campus and competing with crosstown rivals Missouri State. Miller recruits players with a similar hunger to win and work to improve. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Miller and her husband, Derek, have two children, Crosby and Cy. Her combined high school and college record as a player was 221-27. Miller is the new head women's basketball coach of Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. GCU offers new residence halls, amenities, academic buildings and state-of-the-art athletic facilities on campus, student support resources, dynamic online classrooms, innovative learning experiences and more. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. She was able to overcome adversity and utilize modern technology and other unorthodox recruiting techniques to help sell the dream of GCU womens basketball during her first offseason in Division I. We will have to give each other virtual hugs for now, but soon well be high-fiving each other on the court after a Lopes win, Miller said. Growing up in Springfield as Molly Carter, she found her love of basketball at age 8 as a ball girl for national power Southwest Missouri State (now Missouri State). Miller was quoted in the university's press release saying: Amy Eagan is a perfect fit to become the next head coach of the Drury University Lady Panthers. Millers competitive fire that made her a Division II third-team All-American in 2008 has translated to coaching. Courtesy Paul Coro, Grand Canyon Athletic Communications. Molly Miller - Head Coach - Grand Canyon University Athletics Arizona Republic. She ranks fourth in program history for career points (1,570), third for assists (439) and second for steals (407). 8h A special thank you message to our Havocs, cheerleaders, dance team and band Your support means the world to us, and to the seniors of these groups, best of luck on your future endeavors! Drury was ranked in the Division II top 25 for a nation-leading 111 consecutive weeks. A year later, Bray had to use that list but he didn't have to look far. In her Drury playing career, her teams went 112-18 (.862). Given the unbelievable success Coach Miller has experienced on the basketball court, we are incredibly excited about the future of the womens basketball program, GCU President Brian Mueller said at the time of her hiring. GCU offers new residence halls, amenities, academic buildings and state-of-the-art athletic facilities on campus, student support resources, dynamic online classrooms, innovative learning experiences and more. Her leadership capabilities and strong faith background make her an ideal representative of the University. Miller departs Drury with a career record of 180-17. Millers teams defend with the intensity and trapping that was her trademark as a player. "I built some really good relationships with those kids," Eagan said. And at Drury, her teams led the nation in scoring margin her final two seasons, winning by 27.9 and 28.5 points per game, respectively. I look forward to a seamless transition for our basketball program and the fun journey that lies ahead for our university, our players, our fans and our community.. 1 team in the country. She took a pay cut to return to Drury as an assistant coach for two seasons before being elevated to interim head coach, a title that lost the interim tag after a 7-2 start. 17, This Week in WAC Women's Basketball - Dec. 10, WAC Basketball Tournament All-Session Tickets On Sale Now, This Week in WAC Women's Basketball - Dec. 3, This Week in WAC Women's Basketball - Nov. 26, This Week in WAC Women's Basketball - Nov. 19, This Week in WAC Women's Basketball - Nov. 12, This Week in WAC Women's Basketball - Nov. 4, WAC Announces Basketball Preview Show, Spotlight Game Schedules, WAC Media Select NM State, Mattingly as Preseason Favorites, WAC Coaches Select NM State, Pack as Preseason Favorites.