A new Chapter for Lumberjack Basketball

Flagstaff, AZ – northern Arizona University (NAU) has announced Laura Dinkins as the 13th head coach of its women’s basketball program, effective April 1, 2025. Dinkins,a former Lumberjack player herself,is set ‌to lead the team into the 2025-26 season,bringing a wealth of Division I coaching experience and a deep connection to the university.

Dinkins’ appointment signals a strategic move by NAU to revitalize its women’s basketball program with a leader who understands the university’s values and possesses a proven track‌ record of success. Her ⁣history with the Lumberjacks, coupled with her extensive coaching background, positions her as an ideal candidate to ​elevate ⁣the team’s performance both on and‍ off the court.

Dinkins’ Remarkable Coaching Pedigree

Dinkins arrives in Flagstaff with 15 seasons of‍ Division I coaching experience.Most recently, she served as the associate head coach and recruiting coordinator at Grand​ Canyon University (GCU) under ‍Molly Miller. During her two⁢ seasons ⁤at GCU, she helped the ⁣Lopes ‌achieve a​ remarkable 56-10 record (.848), including⁢ consecutive seasons with over 24 wins. This impressive performance underscores Dinkins’ ability⁢ to contribute to winning programs and develop‌ talented players.

Her experience extends beyond GCU, with significant stints at Long Beach State and ‍fresno state. At Long Beach ​State (2017-2023), she played a key role in increasing the team’s win percentage each season, culminating in three consecutive winning seasons and two WNIT berths. Similarly, at Fresno ‍State (2014-2017),‌ she helped the Bulldogs achieve a 63-37 record and two WNIT appearances.‌ These experiences‍ demonstrate her consistent‍ ability ‌to improve programs and⁤ achieve postseason success.

Before her roles at long Beach State and Fresno State, Dinkins also ⁤gained experience in the Big Sky⁤ Conference, ‌serving as an assistant coach at ⁢both Northern Arizona University (2010-2012) and Idaho State. ⁣This familiarity with the conference landscape will undoubtedly be an asset ⁢as she navigates the challenges of ‍leading the lumberjacks.

A Lumberjack Through and Through

Dinkins’ connection to NAU runs deep.She was a ‌member ‍of the women’s basketball‍ team from ⁣2003-2008, playing on NAU’s⁤ sole NCAA tournament team under Laurie Kelly. In 2007, she earned the Big ​Sky’s Defensive Player of the Year award⁣ and​ was named to the All-Big Sky second team in 2008. Her personal experience as a Lumberjack provides her with a unique perspective and understanding of ​the​ program’s history and⁣ potential.

Uri Farkas, in ⁢a statement, emphasized Dinkins’ passion for NAU:​ “Throughout the search ⁢process, it was evident coach Laura Dinkins ⁢has ⁣an unrivaled passion for Northern Arizona University‍ and our women’s basketball ​program. With ‌coaching experience spanning from the Big Sky Conference to the Mountain West Conference, a track record ⁣of excellence in the classroom and on​ the court, Laura Dinkins is the ideal coach to lead the ⁤Lumberjacks. ‍We are thrilled to bring⁣ her home to Flagstaff.”

Recruiting Prowess and Player Development

Dinkins’ expertise extends‌ to recruiting and player development. As an assistant coach​ at the Division I level, she has recruited and coached 25 all-conference selections, two Players of ⁤the Year, four Defensive Players of the Year, two Freshman/newcomers of the ‌Year, and two Sixth Players of the Year. This impressive track record highlights her ability to identify and nurture talent, a crucial aspect of building a triumphant ​program.

Her ability to develop players is ⁤evident in the success stories of athletes she has coached throughout her career. These players have not only excelled on ⁣the court but have also achieved academic success, reflecting Dinkins’ commitment to holistic player development.

Dinkins’ Vision for the Future

Dinkins expressed her excitement about returning to her alma⁣ mater: “I am incredibly honored and excited ⁢to return to my‌ alma ‍mater as ‌the head women’s basketball coach. NAU is​ a special place that shaped me as both a player and a person, and⁤ I take great ⁤pride in leading this program into its next chapter.”

She also outlined her goals for the program: “I want to thank President Cruz Rivera, Uri Farkas, and the search⁤ committee for entrusting me with this incredible chance. My goal is to build on the foundation of success, develop our student-athletes​ both on and off the court, and​ compete at ‍the next highest level. I can’t wait to get to work with this team and reconnect with the Lumberjack⁣ community. let’s make history ⁢together!”

Her vision for the program includes a focus on academic‌ excellence, community‍ engagement, and competitive success. She aims to⁣ create⁢ a ‌positive and supportive environment where student-athletes can thrive ​both on and off the court.

Recent success at Grand Canyon University

Dinkins’ recent success at GCU further solidifies her credentials. In 2024-25, GCU achieved a program-best 32 wins, securing their first-ever Western Athletic⁢ Conference Regular Season and Tournament Championship.This led to the program’s first NCAA Tournament berth in Division I history. ‌additionally,in the 2023-24 season,the⁤ Lopes ranked 18th nationally in scoring defense and 36th in steals per game (10.2). These statistics demonstrate her ability to implement ‍effective​ strategies and build a strong defensive foundation.

These achievements at GCU provide a tangible example of Dinkins’ coaching capabilities and her ability to​ transform ‌a program into a championship contender. Her experience in building a⁢ winning⁢ culture will be invaluable as she takes on the challenge of leading the Lumberjacks.

University President’s Endorsement

Northern Arizona University President⁤ Dr. ⁤José Luis Cruz Rivera voiced ‌his support for Dinkins: “I am delighted to welcome ⁤Coach⁢ Dinkins back to NAU. As a former Lumberjack basketball standout and assistant coach, her dedication to our university and our student-athletes is unmatched. Her proven leadership,‌ commitment to excellence, ‍and deep alignment with NAU’s values set her apart, and I look forward to her leadership of our women’s basketball program.”

President Cruz rivera’s endorsement underscores ⁣the university’s​ confidence in Dinkins’ ability to lead the women’s‌ basketball program to new heights. ​Her deep understanding of NAU’s values and her commitment‍ to student-athlete success align perfectly with the university’s mission.

A Look Back at‍ Dinkins’⁤ playing Career

Laura Dinkins’​ Return: Can the Former Lumberjack Star Reignite NAU Women’s Basketball?

Senior Editor, world-today-news.com: Welcome, everyone. Today, we​ have Dr. Alicia ‌Ramirez, a renowned sports analyst ​specializing⁢ in women’s collegiate basketball⁢ and the strategic impact of alumni coaching appointments. Dr. ‍Ramirez,⁣ NAUS hiring of Laura​ Dinkins has ⁣generated considerable ​buzz. Could this be the turning point for the Lumberjacks?

Dr. Alicia Ramirez: Absolutely.This hire signals ⁢a​ strategic move by ‌NAU to rebuild their program and its potential to make waves in the future, giving them a competitive edge. Dinkins, a former player and assistant coach at ⁢NAU, brings a unique blend of experience and‌ a deep understanding of the program’s history and⁣ the ‍Big Sky Conference landscape. Having someone who⁤ knows the lay of the land gives an advantage.

Senior Editor: The article highlights Dinkins’ impressive resume,particularly her recent successes at ⁣Grand Canyon University. How ​significant is this experience to possibly leading NAU to success?

Dr. Alicia Ramirez: Dinkins’ two seasons at GCU, where she helped achieve a remarkable 56-10 record,⁤ are ⁢incredibly relevant. It’s vital to understand ‍that success at ​GCU wasn’t a fluke. GCU’s rise under her guidance showed her ability to contribute to winning programs, develop talent, and implement effective strategies. Additionally, that particular team secured its first-ever Western Athletic conference​ Regular‍ Season and Tournament Championship. This experience provides a tangible example ‍of Dinkins’ ​coaching capabilities.That championship pedigree will be extremely valuable at NAU.

Senior Editor: The article mentions Dinkins’ involvement at ‌Long Beach State and Fresno state as well. How do these “building” experiences help ​her ​in her new role as head coach?

Dr. Alicia Ramirez: The experiences at Long ⁣Beach State and Fresno ​State ⁣are crucial to her overall ability to ⁢coach winning basketball. At ⁤Long Beach State,she progressively increased the team’s win percentage over multiple seasons,which highlights her strategic skills. This experience is useful for recognizing the value of program improvements. Furthermore, what makes her so effective is her ability to consistently ‍improve programs and achieve postseason success. Her familiarity with the Big Sky Conference, having served previously at NAU and Idaho State, provides another layer of advantage.

Senior Editor:⁤ The article also‍ notes Dinkins’ ability to recruit‌ and develop players. How does ‍her track record in this area‌ provide hope for Lumberjack fans?

Dr. Alicia ⁢Ramirez: Dinkins has ‌recruited and coached dozens⁣ of all-conference selections, Coaches of the year, defensive Players of the Year, Newcomers of the year, and Sixth Players of the⁢ Year. This prowess is a critical key when​ building a successful, enduring program. Her ability to ⁤identify and nurture talent is evident,and that’s somthing ‍that Lumberjack fans can feel‍ good about. She will know what they are looking for from the beginning and ‌will be able to start recruiting‍ those players effectively.

Senior Editor: Dinkins was a player at NAU. How ​does her prior experience there help‌ her now?

Dr. Alicia Ramirez: Dinkins’ personal ​connection to NAU is a powerful asset. ⁣She played on NAU’s sole NCAA tournament team. This gives her a unique understanding of the program’s potential. This will let ⁣her connect with the players from the beginning.Dinkins knows what it takes to succeed in‍ this program. That​ passion will be essential when ⁣building⁢ a team.

Senior Editor: what are‍ your thoughts on the goals she has outlined in the article? What impact could they have for NAU?

Dr. Alicia Ramirez: Dinkins’ vision ​for academic excellence,⁣ community engagement, and​ competitive success is ⁤strategic. Building a positive and supportive ‌habitat, like the article highlighted, creates ⁣a culture that attracts and retains top talent. Dinkins‍ is building a ‍culture that promotes excellence both on and⁢ off the court. A holistic approach like this is really vital for the modern student-athlete.

Senior Editor: ‌In ⁣your opinion, are there any potential challenges Dinkins might face in her‌ new role?

Dr. Alicia Ramirez: One potential ⁢challenge could be the resources available compared​ to other programs, and the competitive landscape of​ the Big sky ⁢Conference.However, her experience ‍in building and revitalizing⁤ programs demonstrates an ability to ‌navigate ‌these challenges. Experience,and familiarity with the conference ‌landscape,are essential to her future success.

senior Editor: What ​is‌ your overall assessment ⁢of this coaching hire?

Dr. Alicia Ramirez: this is a very promising hire.‌ Dinkins’ experience,connection to the university,and track record of success indicate a bright future for NAU women’s basketball. This is more than just a ​coaching​ change. It’s an investment in the​ future. It is a chance to rebuild a proud program.

Senior Editor: Thank ⁣you, ⁤Dr. Ramirez, for your insightful analysis.Your expertise has undoubtedly shed light on the potential impact of Laura Dinkins’⁤ return to NAU.

Dr. Alicia ‌Ramirez: ⁤My pleasure. It will be exciting to see how this unfolds.

Final thought:‌ Laura Dinkins’ homecoming‍ is a significant event ​for ‍NAU and‍ the whole women’s basketball⁤ community. What are your predictions for the Lumberjacks’ under Dinkins’ leadership? Share your thoughts in ‍the comments!