May 6, 2004
WASHINGTON - American University has selected Melissa McFerrin, a former Women's National Basketball Association general manager and an assistant coach on the 2003-04 University of Minnesota women's basketball Final Four team, to lead its women's basketball program to the top of the Patriot League and into national prominence, Athletics Director Dr. Joni Comstock announced Thursday.
"Melissa is a person of character, high values and a commitment to her student-athletes beyond the basketball court," Comstock said. "She has demonstrated strong skills in recruiting, developing athletic talent and promoting the program she represents. Melissa will lead us to the next level of women's basketball in the Patriot League and the NCAA. In addition, she brings a number of connections in the Washington, D.C., area that we think will be beneficial to our women's basketball program."
Working alongside American administrators, McFerrin has already developed a blueprint for strengthening American's women's basketball program.
"Our goal is to become the pride of the Patriot League and consistently position ourselves to go to the NCAA Tournament," McFerrin said. "We will be about winning games, developing young people and representing American University with class. We would like to create excitement in regards to American women's basketball with our style of play, our success, our involvement in the community and our commitment to reconnecting with our alumni."
"In addition, I'm excited about the vision and leadership at American University. President [Benjamin] Ladner and Dr. Comstock have made it possible for AU to look forward to elevating its women's basketball program to a new standard while maintaining the academic excellence it has shown. I am honored to be a part of that process."
McFerrin comes to American from the University of Minnesota, where she was an Associate Head Coach for the previous two seasons and was responsible for coordinating the Golden Gophers' offense and recruiting efforts. During her two-year tenure, McFerrin helped the UM teams to a combined 50-15 record and a trip to the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2003 and the Final Four in 2004. Both of McFerrin's recruiting classes were ranked top-20 nationally. Furthermore, McFerrin mentored Lindsay Whalen and Janel McCarville, both of whom earned All Big Ten honors and were named Kodak All-Americans.
"American University is getting a quality individual and a quality coach," University of Minnesota Head Women's Basketball Coach Pam Borton said. "She is one of the best coaches in the business. Her recruiting ability really sets her apart from other coaches."
McFerrin spent five seasons in the WNBA ranks prior to her time at Minnesota, beginning as an assistant coach with the New York Liberty. In her inaugural season in New York, McFerrin helped guide the Liberty to a runner-up showing.
Washington, D.C., is not unfamiliar territory for McFerrin. She spent three seasons with the Washington Mystics, including her final two seasons as General Manager. In McFerrin's first season as GM, the Mystics made the 2000 WNBA playoffs. McFerrin believes her time in the D.C.-metro area will help the AU program.
"I am excited to reconnect with the Washington, D.C., basketball community," McFerrin said. "I believe it will aid our efforts to bring visibility to American women's basketball, but more importantly, allow our staff to immediately begin recruiting efforts in the area. We want the best players and students in the D.C. area to know about American University."
McFerrin has experienced success at every coaching stop. She spent seven years as an assistant at Ohio State University, during which time her 1993 squad won the Big Ten and finished as national runner up. McFerrin's 1992 recruiting class was ranked the top incoming freshmen class in the nation, and her six other recruiting classes were tabbed in the top-20 nationally.
In six seasons as an assistant at Central Michigan University, McFerrin helped guide the Chippewas to 95 wins and the 1985 Mid-American Conference championship. During her time at CMU, she earned a master's degree in physical education.
A native of Cassville, Mo., McFerrin was a four-year letterwinner and a starting point guard for the University of Missouri between 1979 and 1983. She led the Tigers to an 88-37 record in her four years and a Big Eight Tournament championship and subsequent NCAA Tournament appearance in her senior season. In 1982, her Tiger squad made it to the NCAA Sweet 16. McFerrin graduated cum laude with a bachelor of science in secondary education.
An accomplished public speaker, McFerrin has addressed governmental organizations, athletic administrators and business executives, as well as making numerous public appearances to raise funds and promote ticket sales. McFerrin is also an 18-year member of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association and has served on the USA Basketball National Team Selection Committee.
McFerrin believes her vision, area connections and prior experience will produce great results at American University.
"The ultimate goal is to win the Patriot League and go to the NCAA Tournament," McFerrin said. "We want to be an elite team in the Patriot League every year."