Lady Eagle Head Coach Dean Walsh Named Women’s Division II Bulletin National Coach Of The Month

BEAVERTON, Ore. – Carson-Newman women’s basketball Head Coach Dean Walsh has been named the Women’s Division II Bulletin National Coach of the Month for December, DII Bulletin officials announced Monday. It is the first time that Walsh has received this honor.

“This is a well-deserved honor which brings recognition to coach, team and College,” said David Barger, C-N Director of Athletics. “Dean has done a terrific job in developing the strengths of each individual player. The end result has been outstanding team performance and this individual achievement.”

Walsh led the Lady Eagles to a 5-0 record on the month with an 11-0 mark to finish 2009. All five victories came away from home and were a part of a seven-game road stretch that spanned over five weeks.

“It’s a nice honor but one that couldn’t be received without the players and staff,” said Walsh. “If not for them, we wouldn’t be where we’re at. It speaks to the program and what we’ve accomplished but that doesn’t mean much since we’re only half way through the season.”

The team’s biggest victory came on December 12 as Carson-Newman defeated the reigning Southeast Region Champion and then-No. 8 Clayton State by a 65-62 score. Senior guard Ashley Kyle hit three free throws with 0.4 remaining on the clock to seal the victory.

C-N is off to their best start in school history and is 12-0 on the season with a 2-0 record in South Atlantic Conference play. Walsh and the Lady Eagles will next take the court when they travel to Mars Hill, N.C., to face the Lions in SAC action Saturday at 2:00 p.m.

-Joe Matthews, C-N Sports Information