Wednesday, August 25, 2004

Valparaiso University women's basketball coach Keith Freeman has announced that Renee' Turpa has joined the staff as the director of basketball operations, while Caroline McCombs has been promoted to associate head coach and Erika Roudebush has been moved to an assistant coach.

Turpa has spent the last 17 years as the varsity head coach at Portage High School where she compiled a record of 207-142. She is also the vice president of the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association. Her duties at Valpo will consist of directing the summer basketball camps, assisting with on-campus recruiting, community outreach projects, travel, and film exchange.

?We are excited to have someone of the character and integrity of Renee' Turpa on our staff," Freeman said. ?She has a wealth of experience and will be a valuable part of our program and staff."

McCombs enters her sixth season as a member of the Crusaders' staff. She has served as an assistant coach prior to her promotion. Roudebush enters her second season with Valpo, and her first coaching after serving as director of basketball operations last year.

?Caroline has been a valuable part of our recent success," Freeman said. ?Her efforts both in the area of coaching and recruiting have helped us a new standard of excellence. Erika had a great year for us last year. She has great respect from the players and we are happy she will be able to now work with the players on the floor."

Steve Bruce will continue as an associate head coach as well.