DePaul University Athletics
DePaul Signs Doug Bruno to Contract Extension
11/16/2004 12:00:00 AM | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
CHICAGO – DePaul University women’s basketball coach Doug Bruno has signed a contract extension through the 2010-11 season, the university announced today. Bruno, who has guided the program to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances in the last two seasons, begins his 19th year on the bench at his alma mater.
“Never did I imagine, when I competed for coach Ray Meyer, nor when I began coaching women’s basketball in the mid 70’s, that coaching women’s hoops and growing the game of women’s basketball would evolve into a lifelong pursuit and passion," said Bruno. "Having the opportunity to teach exceptional student-athletes, work at my alma mater, and contribute to making DePaul one of the only private, Catholic, urban universities in the country to consistently compete with women’s basketball programs from BCS football schools, has fueled this passion. We are proud of what we have achieved so far at DePaul. We also know the job is not finished. We look forward to continuing to pound away at moving DePaul up the women’s college basketball food chain.”
“Doug’s energy and enthusiasm for coaching and teaching his student-athletes is unparalleled," said DePaul Athletics Director Jean Lenti Ponsetto. "He has been tireless in his pursuit of excellence as is evidenced by our program’s success during his tenure. More importantly, the loyalty and sense of community he’s instilled in our alumni and fans make him a DePaul treasure."
"Doug is an exceptional coach who has had a wealth of professional opportunities," said DePaul President Rev. Dennis H. Holtschneider, C.M. "I am pleased and honored that he has chosen, yet again, to continue sharing his special skills and talents with our women’s basketball team. He is an accomplished and loyal mentor who has proven time and again that he knows what it takes to help our students reach their full potential on and off the court."
Over the last two seasons, Bruno has guided the Blue Demons to a 45-17 record and two NCAA Tournament appearances. The 45 wins are tied for the second-highest two-year total in school history while the .726 winning percentage ranks fifth in a two-year period. A year ago, the club led the nation in scoring and featured three players earning All-Conference USA recognition. DePaul finished the 2003-04 season ranked among the nation's top 30 in seven different statistical categories. Bruno has led the program to nine NCAA Tournament appearances with a 322-205 record. Overall, he is 362-235 in his women's basketball coaching career. He coached the Chicago Hustle of the Women's Basketball League from 1978-80.
Entering the 2004-05 campaign, the team is ranked No. 20 in both the preseason Associated Press and USA Today/ESPN/WBCA Coaches' poll and features preseason All-American and National Player of the Year candidate Khara Smith. DePaul opens the season with the annual Moran Realty Classic at the DePaul Athletic Center. The Blue Demons host Massachusetts, Murray State and Southern California for the two-day tournament, Nov. 19-20.
