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Houston Welcomes New Women’s Basketball Coach

The new era of Houston women's basketball begins as the team prepares for the upcoming season.

News Summary

The University of Houston has appointed Matthew Mitchell as the new head coach of its women’s basketball program. Mitchell, a former Kentucky coach, returns to the game after a five-year hiatus due to health challenges. Known for his impressive record and coaching accolades, he aims to rejuvenate a Cougars team that has struggled in recent seasons. With a new five-year deal, fans are excited about the potential turnaround for the women’s basketball program as they anticipate Mitchell’s plans in the upcoming season.

Exciting Times for Houston: Former Kentucky Coach Takes the Helm!

In a thrilling development for college basketball enthusiasts, the city of Houston has welcomed former Kentucky Wildcats women’s basketball coach, Matthew Mitchell, to lead the University of Houston’s women’s basketball program. This marks an exciting return to the game for Mitchell, who has been on a five-year hiatus since retiring due to health challenges.

A Winning Legacy

Matthew Mitchell is not just any coach; he’s a two-time SEC Coach of the Year and holds the title of the winningest coach in Kentucky’s women’s basketball history. During his impressive 13 seasons at Kentucky from 2007 to 2020, he amassed a remarkable record of 303 wins. Notably, his tenure saw the Wildcats soar to nine NCAA Tournament appearances, with five Sweet 16 berths and three trips to the Elite Eight. Talk about a winning tradition!

A Historic Achievement

One of Mitchell’s standout accomplishments was leading his team to their first SEC regular-season championship in more than 30 years in the 2011-2012 season. What an unforgettable moment for Wildcats fans! His leadership and dedication to the sport earned him SEC Coach of the Year honors in both the 2009-2010 and 2011-2012 seasons, with the Wildcats setting a school record of 11 wins in the SEC during the 2009-2010 season.

Challenges and a New Chapter

However, not all was smooth sailing in Mitchell’s journey. He announced his retirement in November 2020 after suffering a brain injury while on vacation in Mexico. The injury necessitated surgery for a subdural hematoma, a condition involving blood buildup on the brain. This difficult period marked a significant shift in his career, yet he used this time to recover fully.

A New Home for Coaching

Fast forward to 2023, and Houston is thrilled to have Mitchell back in action as the new head coach of the Cougars’ women’s basketball team, pending board approval. This comes after an 11-year tenure of former coach Ronald Hughey, during which the Cougars recorded 140 wins to 195 losses. The Cougars have struggled in recent years, finishing the last season with a dismal record of 5-25, which makes Mitchell’s appointment all the more exciting for fans hoping for a turnaround.

A Bright Future Ahead

Mitchell’s new contract signals confidence in his abilities, reportedly securing him a five-year deal that pays at least $600,000 annually, a significant increase over Hughey’s previous compensation. This investment reflects the university’s aspirations for reviving the women’s basketball program, especially since it has been over a decade since the Cougars last graced the NCAA Tournament.

More Than Just a Coach

Outside the basketball court, Mitchell is a man of many talents. In addition to his coaching accolades, he has launched a business centered around teaching leadership skills and has authored multiple books. His multifaceted approach to both life and sport adds an extra layer of depth to his coaching philosophy.

Excitement Builds

As anticipation builds for his introductory press conference scheduled for April 1 at the Fertitta Center in Houston, fans are eager to see how Mitchell plans to approach this new challenge. With his rich history of success and passion for the game, the Cougars’ faithful are hopeful for a bright future ahead.

Matthew Mitchell’s journey has certainly come full circle, and as he steps into this new role, there’s a palpable buzz among fans and players alike. Will he lead the Cougars back to greatness? Only time will tell!