JODY CRAIG AGREES TO THREE-YEAR EXTENSION

WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ - Monmouth University Vice President and Director of Athletics Dr. Marilyn McNeil announced Tuesday that Head Women's Basketball Coach Jody Craig agreed to a new three-year contract. "I am honored that Monmouth University and Dr. McNeil have given me the opportunity to continue to lead the women's basketball program," said Craig. "I believe that Monmouth provides all the pieces necessary to entice student-athletes to play here and to produce a championship-level program. I look forward to the process of getting us there." Craig joined the Monmouth Women's Basketball staff in June of 2017, and assumed head coaching responsibilities on December 8, 2017. She brings over 20 years of collegiate coaching experience to West Long Branch, compiling a 448-164 record in her years prior to Monmouth. "I am thrilled to extend this contract to Coach Craig," said McNeil. "I have always believed in her exceptional coaching skills, and she is proving daily that she has the right enthusiasm and strategy to move our program to the elite level in the MAAC." After taking over head coaching duties, Craig guided the Hawks to eight wins in 2017-18. Craig and the Hawks advanced to their fifth straight MAAC Quarterfinals after storming back to defeat No. 8 Canisius in the first round. Trailing by as many as 13 points late in the third quarter, No. 9 seed Monmouth outscored the Golden Griffins 20-6 in the fourth quarter. Craig earned her first win with the Blue & White with a 51-44 victory over Saint Peter's, outscoring the Peacocks in the final three quarters. "Coach Jody has done a great job making our team her own," added senior guard/forward McKinzee Barker. "She's asked us to put our heads down and grind, and I think when we look up on the day of our first practice we will be extremely satisfied with where we are. The team is eager for that day to come, so we can see how our trust in coach's system and the hard work has paid off." Monmouth will open the 2018-19 season on November 6, when they welcome Bucknell to the OceanFirst Bank Center. A full season schedule can be found on MonmouthHawks.com. Follow @MUHawksWBB on Twitter to stay up to date with the program.