Bonvicini offered contract extension


By Shane Dale
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Wednesday, January 14, 2004

Arizona women's basketball head coach Joan Bonvicini has been offered a contract extension by the UA, according to the coach.

Bonvicini said she's "ready to sign it" but refused to disclose the details of the extension.

"I'm very happy to stay here and stay in Tucson," Bonvicini added.

Bonvicini is in her 13th season as Arizona's head women's basketball coach. She is the winningest coach in the history of UA women's hoops, tallying a mark of 226-143 at Arizona - a .612 winning percentage. She's led the Wildcats to five NCAA Tournament appearances in the last seven seasons, including a Sweet Sixteen berth in 1997-98. She guided the team to a Women's NIT championship in 1995-96.

Bonvicini was named Pacific 10 Conference Coach of the Year in 1997-98 and has been a finalist for the Naismith College Coach of the Year award three of the past six seasons, including last season when she led Arizona to a 22-9 record.

Before coming to Arizona, Bonvicini was head coach at Long Beach State for 12 seasons, compiling a win-loss record of 325-71. The 49ers went to 10 consecutive NCAA Tournaments under Bonvicini, including two Final Fours.