After eight seasons at the helm of the Northern Arizona University women's basketball program, head coach Loree Payne has announced she will depart from the program for a job at Santa Clara.
Payne leaves as Northern Arizona's all-time-winningest head coach in women's basketball with an overall record of 136-116, including a Big Sky Conference record of 88-62.
"Thank you, Northern Arizona University. I am beyond grateful for the past eight years at Northern Arizona," Payne said, "where I had the incredible opportunity to rebuild the women's basketball program from the ground up. ... Flagstaff will always hold a special place in my heart, filled with unforgettable memories, lifelong friendships and the joy of seeing this program rise."
Payne was named Big Sky Co-Coach of the Year in 2022-23, when the Lumberjacks claimed a share of the conference's regular-season title. She guided Northern Arizona to four straight Big Sky semifinals and three straight conference championship games. Under Payne, the Lumberjacks have advanced to the deeper postseason the last three seasons, most recently advancing to the second round of the Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament after a historic win over Arizona.
"We wish Coach Payne and the Santa Clara Bronco family all the best," said Uri Farkas,聽interim athletic director at Northern Arizona.