For the first time ever, her basketball career has taken her outside of Springfield, as she embarks on a new journey as head coach of the GCU Antelopes. GCU finished third in the country in steals per game (12.6), steals (404) and 10th in turnovers forced (21.72) a season ago. The 2021-22 season concluded in the WNIT first round, the first WNIT berth for the Lopes in program history. The two have not been since since. "I'm excited to hit the ground running and meet those kids and love them like family. She was able to overcome adversity and utilize modern technology and other unorthodox recruiting techniques to help sell the dream of GCU womens basketball during her first offseason in Division I. 584 posts. The Molly Miller coaching debut for Grand Canyon women's basketball will not come until the fall but the Lopes' new head coach has no problem describing what fans will see on the court and the sideline. READ ALSO:GCU freezes tuition for 13th year. Upon her hiring at Drury, she still ranked fourth all-time in scoring and was the program's career leader in assists, steals and free throws made. Eagan's Truman State team won the Great Lakes Valley Conference title in her first season in 2013-14 and she finished her career as the program's all-time leader in coaching wins with a record of. When you work hard and strive for great things and you're a good person, you want to achieve great things and that's what you can do with the support here and the resources here.". She challenges them on the court, invests in their lives off the court and keeps an open-door policy to form long-term relationships. Molly Miller - Stats, Game Logs, Splits, and much more . In her first job, Miller spent four years as a marketing director for Springfield Neurological and Spine Institute, putting her master of business administration to use while giving basketball instruction on the side. She will enter the 2019-20 owning the best winning percentage among head coaches in all of NCAA-II women's basketball. Now that you have a little background on Coach Miller, its time to get to know the person behind all that success. Drury ended the year with a number three national ranking after being ranked number one in the coaches' poll throughout the second half of the season. Molly Miller's tenure as the Lady Panthers head coach saw another magical season under her leadership as Drury went 35-1, advanced to the NCAA-II national semifinals, won the Midwest Regional, and won their third-straight GLVC championship in 2018-19. In her first job, Miller spent four years as a marketing director for Springfield Neurological and Spine Institute, putting her master of business administration to use while giving basketball instruction to players on the side. Theres no doubt that Coach Miller is bringing a ton of excitement to the GCU athletic program, so if you havent been paying attention to Antelopes basketball, it might be time to jump on the bandwagon. At every step, she has been a determined winner. The entertaining style and success have made Drury one of the top Division II draws, ranking third in attendance last season at 1,768 fans per game despite only having 1,500 undergraduate students on campus and competing for Ozarks basketball fans with Missouri State. Miller went 180-17 in her eight years at her alma mater Drury in Springfield, Mo., the highest winning percentage for any NCAA D. II coach. She ranks fourth in program history for career points (1,570), third for assists (439) and second for steals (407). PHOENIX, Ariz. (KY3) - Grand Canyon University head basketball coach Molly Miller made her name in Springfield. Her statement reveals Molly Miller took her own life, and now her family and friends are left asking why, saying "There was not a single sign that anything was wrong or bothering her.". I think we can make a big splash. Miller just completed her fifth season as the Lady Panthers head coach and her teams have gone 148-17. Were going to be very family-oriented at GCU. In what could have been seen as a questionable decision led her to land the head coaching position as the head coach of the No. Her combined high school and college record as a player was 221-27. Molly Miller is leading the Grand Canyon women's basketball program for her third season as Lopes head coach after taking over the program on April 7, 2020. Miller is the new head women's basketball coach of Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. The Panthers have guarded opponents from baseline to baseline and led Division II with 30.8 turnovers forced per game this season. Growing up in Springfield as Molly Carter, she found her love of basketball at age 8 as a ball girl for national power Southwest Missouri State (now Missouri State). With the resources and the excitement behind the athletic program and specifically the womens basketball program, theres real momentum there. Drury has been ranked in the Division II top 25 for a nation-leading 111 consecutive weeks. She took a pay cut to return to Drury as an assistant coach for two seasons before being elevated to Panthers interim head coach, a title that lost the "interim" tag after a 7-2 start. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. "To this day, she's the most competitive person I've ever been around," her Drury coach, now-George Mason head coach Nyla Milleson, once told theSpringfield News-Leader. In two seasons in Phoenix, Millers high-pressure defense and up-tempo offense has seen GCU rank nationally in steals per game and turnovers forced per game. Molly Miller is leading the Grand Canyon women's basketball program for her third season as Lopes head coach after taking over the program on April 7, 2020. All the while, she has put an emphasis on her players being students first, learning life skills and acting as community stewards. Grand Canyon's aspirations to rise in Division I women's basketball will be in the hands of new Lopes head coach Molly Miller, a two-time Division II Coach of the Year who leads all active college basketball coaches in winning percentage.. GCU named Miller, 34, as its new head coach Tuesday after she posted an astounding 180-17 record over the past six years at her alma mater, Drury . I'm just a relationship coach.". Miller is joined in Phoenix by her husband, Derek, and their two children, Crosby and Cy. Miller enters the 2022-23 season with an .866 winning percentage, second highest among active Division I head coaches, .19 behind UConn's Geno Auriemma. Miller was also named the national coach of the year and her name was already floating around for Division I openings. She grew up in Springfield, Missouri, as Molly Carter and played at Kickapoo High School and Drury University in her hometown. Im excited to hit the ground running and meet those kids and love them like family. 580 following. She took over as head coach at her alma mater in 2014 and led the program to historic heights amassing a 180-17 record over six seasons. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. "I couldn't be more appreciative of her and everything she's done for me.". Veteran forward Tiarra Brown, who enters her junior season and third under Miller, was selected to the Second Team and returns as the leading scorer for the Lopes with 9.5 points and 4.8 rebounds in 2021-22. Drury has been a Division II power since Miller played there (2004-08) as a 5-foot-6 point guard who started for four seasons. Molly Miller exits Drury with a career record of 180-17, By: Ed Beach, Assistant AD for External Affairs/Media Relations, Make a Gift (Basketball Benefits Included), TicketSmarter - Official Ticket Resale Partner, Molly Miller's letter to the Drury Community, Link to Grand Canyon University news release, Lady Panthers escape quarterfinals scare from Quincy, Top seeded Lady Panthers open GLVC Tournament vs Quincy, Thur., 6 pm, Amy Eagan named GLVC Coach of the Year; Moore is Defensive Player of the Year; Schaaf named Freshman of the Year; four selected as All-GLVC, Lady Panthers remain at number two in national poll, .914 winning percentage leads all of NCAA women's basketball, Led the team to 54 straight home wins (2016-current), the second-longest home-court winning streak in NCAA-II, Was 55-0 at home in the GLVC during her career, NCAA-II Coach of the Year (WBCA) 2020 and 2019, 2020 NCAA-II Coach of the Year (World Exposure Report), 2020 NCAA-II Coach of the Year (HoopDirt.com), Number One national ranking for all 16 weeks of the NCAA-II coaches' poll, Nationally ranked in the NCAA-II Top 25 for 111 straight weeks, the longest such streak in the nation, and ranked in the Top 10 for 48 consecutive weeks, Won five GLVC championships in her six years (2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020), Won six GLVC regular season titles (West Division in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018; finished first as a one-division league in 2019 and 2020), Made NCAA-II tournament in all six of seasons (advanced to regional finals in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019), Advanced to NCAA-II national semifinals in 2019, Coached the NCAA-II Player of the Year twice (, Had 19 players named All-GLVC, with 12 players named First Team All-GLVC, Had one GLVC Player of the Year (Hailey Diestlkamp, 2020), Had two GLVC Freshman of the Year winners (, Had three named GLVC Defensive Player of the Year (, Inducted into Drury Sports Hall of Fame, 2012. Founded, monitored, and run by college coaches. 2023 Western Athletic Conference. The moment it all started "I started playing guitar when I was seven years old. "Coach Miller is one of the winningest college head coaches in the country and a true leader who knows how to run a championship program," GCU Interim Vice President of AthleticsJamie Boggssaid. Eagan said she barely got the chance to talk to Miller as both start to settle into their new coaching roles. The 17-year-old girl's family is still searching for justice. Her basketball record is nothing short of incredible but even more important is who she is as a person. "This was a place that I felt like I could take my career if she happened to leave. Now it's time for her to win somewhere else. Sophomore transfer Aaliyah Collins was tabbed to the First Team after finishing third in the WAC in steals per game (2.52) in and fourth in steals (68) a season ago. Her Drury teams as a player went 112-18 (.862). She already was mastering dribbling and finishing with either hand and progressed into a player who won two state championships at Kickapoo High School, where her teams went 109-9 (.924). Miller enters the 2022-23 season with an .866 winning percentage, second highest among active Division I head coaches, .19 behind UConn's Geno Auriemma. Molly MillerCoach Miller is one of the winningest college head coaches in the country and a true leader who knows how to run a championship program, GCU Vice President of Athletics Jamie Boggs said of Miller's hiring. The Drury womens basketball program is in great hands, and this alum couldnt be happier!. 3,319 followers. If an undefeated mark does not state Drurys dominance under Miller enough, the Panthers also led Division II in scoring margin for her last two seasons there. Years later, she became the school's head coach. Molly Miller Life is good Grand Canyon University Head Womens Bball Coach #lopesup . Miller left the Lady Panthers for Division I Grand Canyon on Wednesday, Drury announced Amy Eagan would be promoted to the head coaching position, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Just before becoming the head coach at Truman State, she was the head coach at Ashford and took a team that won just four games in her first season to a near .500-record the next year. "To this day, shes the most competitive person Ive ever been around, her Drury coach, now-George Mason head coach Nyla Milleson, once told the Springfield News-Leader. 1 every week in the Division II poll. GCU named Miller, 34, as its new head coach Tuesday after she posted an astounding 180-17 record over the past six years at her alma mater, Drury Univeristy in Springfield, Missouri. GCU President Brian Mueller and Athletic Director Jamie Boggs tapped former Drury University head coach Molly Miller to take over the GCU womens basketball program on April 7, 2020. Arizona Republic. Miller posted an astounding 180-17 record over six years at her alma mater, Drury. The team that won its fourth-straight GLVC title just this past season got its wish. I have had the privilege to get to know President Mueller and the athletic director, Jamie Boggs, in the recent days, and the enthusiasm of these incredible leaders certainly helped solidify my decision, Miller said. Molly Miller is in her sixth season as the Lady Panthers head coach. Miller's competitive fire that made her a Division II third-team All-American in 2008 has translated to coaching. Millers hustle-oriented teams defend with the intensity and trapping that was her trademark as a player. Miller recruits players with a similar hunger to win and work to improve. Her work ethic and loyalty are unmatched, and her outstanding character sets the bar high. Player Season Finder . She ranks fourth in program history for career points (1,570), third for assists (439) and second for steals (409). Her Panthers teams held a stunning 67-1 mark over her last two seasons at her hometown university in Springfield, Missouri. Now it's time for her to win somewhere else. The two-time Division II Coach of the Year ended her Drury career with the D-II national runner-up in 2019 and an undefeated, top-ranked 2020 team when the national tournament was canceled because of COVID-19. She became a star at Drury University. "Jinx" averaged 14.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists in 923 games for six teams. Miller maintained Drury's tradition upon becoming head coach at age 28 and she ascended the program to reach the 2019 Division II Final Four and post a 32-0 record in 2019-20, when the Panthers were ranked No. Thursday, Marian McConnell released a statement via Facebook. Coach Miller is one of the winningest college head coaches in the country and a true leader who knows how to run a championship program, GCU Interim Vice President of Athletics Jamie Boggs said. Molly Miller is leading the Grand Canyon women's basketball program for her third season as Lopes head coach after taking over the program on April 7, 2020. Miller enters the 2022-23 season with an .866 winning percentage, second highest among active Division I head coaches, .19 behind UConn's Geno Auriemma. She was studying to become a nurse. 17, This Week in WAC Women's Basketball - Dec. 10, WAC Basketball Tournament All-Session Tickets On Sale Now, This Week in WAC Women's Basketball - Dec. 3, This Week in WAC Women's Basketball - Nov. 26, This Week in WAC Women's Basketball - Nov. 19, This Week in WAC Women's Basketball - Nov. 12, This Week in WAC Women's Basketball - Nov. 4, WAC Announces Basketball Preview Show, Spotlight Game Schedules, WAC Media Select NM State, Mattingly as Preseason Favorites, WAC Coaches Select NM State, Pack as Preseason Favorites. In July of 2013, Molly Miller and Colton Haynes were passengers in a car chase with police when the driver allegedly turned onto a dead-end Oklahoma road. "I look forward to a seamless transition for our basketball program and the fun journey that lies ahead for our university, our players, our fans and our community." We want to be one of the best teams in the nation. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. I think we can make a big splash. Her leadership capabilities and strong faith background make her an ideal representative of the University.. In her spare time, she loved to read and write. Drury was ranked in the Division II top 25 for a nation-leading 111 consecutive weeks. "She carries herself with class and poise, and I was so proud to have her by my side last year. She and her husband Derek share a little about what it's like to balance coaching a college basketball team and raising two children.Grand Canyon University, Arizonas premier, private Christian university, helps students find their purpose with next- generation education, including over 270 academic programs with over 200 online programs. Miller enters the 2022-23 season with an .866 winning percentage, second highest among active Division I head coaches, .19 behind UConns Geno Auriemma. Drury Athletics Director Corey Bray saw what Molly Miller did a year ago and he knew he needed to start looking for a successor. She will enter the 2019-20 owning the best winning percentage among head coaches in all of NCAA-II women's basketball. In her Drury playing career, her teams went 112-18 (.862). 1 for every week of the Division II poll up until the NCAA tournament cancellation. "Given the unbelievable success Coach Miller has experienced on the basketball court, we are incredibly excited about the future of the women's basketball program," GCU President Brian Mueller said. Drury won by 27.9 points per game in 2018-19 and 28.5 per game in 2019-20. It was only a matter of time before she had to do it somewhere else. "I love the relationship part of it. We will have to give each other virtual hugs for now, but soon well be high-fiving each other on the court after a Lopes win, Miller said. Her .914 winning percentage at Drury was the top mark among active NCAA basketball coaches, regardless of gender or division. Growing up in Springfield as Molly Carter, she found her love of basketball at age 8 as a ball girl for national power Southwest Missouri State (now Missouri State). In her first job, Miller spent four years as a marketing director for Springfield Neurological and Spine Institute, putting her master of business administration to use while giving basketball instruction on the side. Drury will also start '19-20 season with a 40-game . 2019 Molly Miller is leading the Grand Canyon women's basketball program for her third season as Lopes head coach after taking over the program on April 7, 2020. GCU named Miller, 34, as its new head coach Tuesday after she posted an astounding 180-17 record over . https://gculopes.com/news/2020/4/7/womens-basketball-miller-takes-gcu-helm-as-elite-winner.aspx. The competitive fire of a 2008 Division II third-team All-American has translated to coaching. "I have had the privilege to get to know President Mueller and the athletic director,Jamie Boggs, in the recent days, and the enthusiasm of these incredible leaders certainly helped solidify my decision," Miller said. The Lopes were picked third in the WAC Preseason Coaches Poll with two on the preseason All-Conference team. She was also a hall of fame-worthy player at the program in addition to being a two-time state champion at Kickapoo. Molly Miller's tenure as the Lady Panthers head coach saw another magical season under her leadership as Drury went 35-1, advanced to the NCAA-II national semifinals, won the Midwest Regional, and won their third-straight GLVC championship in 2018-19. After six seasons leading the Drury University women's basketball program, Molly Miller has accepted the head coaching position at Grand Canyon University, an NCAA Division I program in Phoenix, Arizona, and a member of the Western Athletic Conference. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. Millers teams defend with the intensity and trapping that was her trademark as a player. "I am very excited," Eagan said during a Zoom press conference with members of the media. In two seasons in Phoenix, Millers high-pressure defense and up-tempo offense has seen GCU rank nationally in steals per game and turnovers forced per game. From 2004 to 2008, Miller played at Drury as a 5-foot-6 point guard and four-year starter. Eagan will have some big shoes to fill as she tries to replace someone who was turning into a bit of a Springfield women's basketball icon before her departure. Miller and her husband, Derek, are raising a 3-year-old daughter, Crosby, and a 3-month-old son, Cy. She has tremendous character, is passionate about her faith and will be a wonderful leader for our student-athletes. "I love this game and everything that is has given to me so I want to give back to it and my players so they can find as much joy and love for the game," Miller said. Before joining Drury, Eagan had a successful six-year stint as the head coach at Truman State. Her teams had a winning season in all six seasons while winning 20 or more games three times. 1 team in the country. The Panthers have guarded opponents from baseline to baseline and led Division II with 30.8 turnovers forced per game this season. All rights reserved. All Rights Reserved, 2023 Hercules Tires WAC Basketball Tournament, Lancers Down Lopes in Front of Sellout Crowd, Tennis set to open 2023 season versus Utah, Trip ends with 3-2 comeback win vs. No. Molly is a rising star, Womens Basketball Coaches Association Executive Director Danielle Donehew said after her peers gave her consecutive Division II Coach of the Year honors. In 2020-21, GCU ranked second nationally for steals (13.4 per game) and turnover margin (plus-8.4 per game) while also coming in fourth for turnovers forced (23.3 per game). Visit gcu.edu #LopesUp 0:43 1K views GCU Havocs and 3 others Coach Molly Miller Retweeted If an undefeated mark does not state Drurys dominance under Miller enough, the Panthers also led Division II in scoring margin for the past two seasons, winning by an average of 27.9 points per game in 2018-19 and an average of 28.5 points per game this season. Copyright 2023 AZ Big Media | All Rights Reserved | Site by Blufish, PNC survey shows small business owners see bright future, Ranking Arizona: Top 10 mechanical contractors for 2023, Goodyear takes next steps to make new downtown a reality. Make a Gift (Basketball Benefits Included), TicketSmarter - Official Ticket Resale Partner, 5 NCAA-II tournaments, 4GLVCchampionships, Note- no divisional play in the GLVC in 2018-19. Drury ended the year with a number three national ranking after being ranked number one in the coaches' poll throughout the second half of the season. Drury has been ranked in the Division II top 25 for a nation-leading 111 consecutive weeks. She goes on to say, "Molly is a light shining forever," and there are plans for a . "I thought for myself as I continued to look at my life and my career, there's not a better Division II in the country," Eagan said of her decision. All Molly Miller did in Springfield was win. 12 Apr 2019 News Drury University women's basketball head coach Molly Miller has agreed to terms with the institution on a contract extension that will run through the 2021-22 season. In her Drury playing career, her teams went 112-18 (.862). Molly Miller has been hired to replace Nicole Powell as Grand Canyon's women's basketball coach. The .914 winning percentage tops any active Division I, II or III men's or women's basketball head coach with at least five years of experience and includes a stunning 67-1 mark over the past two seasons. In the midst of global chaos, Grand Canyon University made a tremendous hire that might have been overshadowed by the events of 2020.