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Former Idaho State University women’s basketball coach Jon Newlee was hired to take over the University of Idaho’s program on Tuesday.
“We are excited to have Jon join the Vandal family,” Athletic Director Rob Spear said. “He is a winner, understands the Western Athletic Conference and has the work ethic that will position us for success.”
Over the past two years, under former coach Mike Divilbiss, Idaho had racked up a record of 10-47. Divilbiss resigned from his position several weeks after the end of this season.
Newlee is not new to floundering programs. In 2002-03, his first year at Idaho State, the Bengals went 6-20. Newlee followed that season with the second biggest turnaround in NCAA history leading the Bengals to 20-9 and their first Women’s National Invitational Tournament.
“I’ve been in this position before,” Newlee said. “I’ve got a plan in place already. I’ve just got to get up there, get my staff hired and put my plan in place.”
Newlee’s success grew as he led the Bengals to the Big Sky championship and Idaho State’s second ever NCAA tournament bid in the 2006-07 season.
Newlee led a 6-20 program to the NCAA tournament in just four years.
In the past 16 years, Newlee helped lead 13 teams to the post season.
Before arriving at Idaho State, Newlee spent four years as an assistant at Hawai’i. During his time on the islands, the Rainbow Wahine went to the WNIT on three consecutive occasions.
Newlee spent three years as a coach at Southwestern College, and has made several other assistant stops at Southern Methodist, Texas-San Antonio, and Saint Mary’s.
“I’m a real up-tempo kind of coach,” he said. “I’m going to try to get some athletic kids in who can shoot the three.”
Newlee is known for his recruiting ability.
In just six seasons at Idaho State, Newlee produced 10 all-conference performers. The most recent, Natalie Doma, is a two time AP All American. Doma ranked second nationally in both scoring and rebounding in 2008, and is the all-time leader in both categories in the Big Sky.
Parallel to the new Idaho men’s basketball coach, Don Verlin, Newlee values education. In his six years at Idaho State there have been 22 All-conference academic honorees on the team.
“I can’t wait to get up there and get started,” Newlee said. “I need to get myself some black and gold gear now. I’ve been wearing white and orange for a while, but I’m ready for a change in scenery.”
A formal introductory news conference/social will be held at 5 p.m. Monday in the University Inn. The public is invited to attend.
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