Wheeling, WV, Aug. 3, 2009 -- University Athletic Director Danny Sancomb announced this week that the university has hired former assistant basketball coach Katie Hine to lead the women’s basketball program. Hine served two years as assistant coach and four years as a player for the Lady Cards under former Head Coach Joe Key.

"We're very excited to have Katie lead the women’s basketball program. She brings a high level of energy and dedication to the program," said Sancomb, who is also head basketball coach for the men’s team.

“I’m very thankful and excited for this opportunity, and appreciate the support of Coach Sancomb, the WJU administration and community,” said Hine. “Coach Key has been a great teacher and mentor for me over the past six years.”

Hine is from Mentor, Ohio where she graduated from Mentor High School. She came to WJU in 2003 and was a key component for the Lady Cards during their WVIAC Conference Tournament Championship and a first round East Region tournament appearance in 2005. The following year, they posted a school best 27-5 record and made it to the East Region Final Four.

Hine graduated with honors in 2007, earning a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Special Education. She is currently working on a master’s degree in Athletic Coaching Education from West Virginia University and expects to graduate in May 2010.

“I have been fortunate to have a successful academic and playing career here and will continue to stress that rich tradition of Wheeling Jesuit women’s basketball on and off the court,” Hine added.

In January 2009, Head Coach Joe Key expanded Hine’s coaching duties due to a change in his day job that made it tough for him to make all practices. She was responsible for game preparation and practice situations, as well as the on-court sideline coaching duties. During this time, Coach Key guided Hine through the coaching transition. Key returns for the 2009-2010 season as a part-time assistant.

“Our main goal is to build upon the strong foundation, which was established by Coach Key in his 21 years. We’ll focus on hard nose defense and mold our offensive game plan around the strengths of our players,” Hine stated.

More than 25 percent of the university's full-time day undergraduate students participate on an athletic team and rack up a 3.1 GPA.

The university has 18 men's and women's athletic teams, most of which compete in the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WVIAC) and NCAA Division II. The teams have won more than 55 WVIAC titles, fielding 40 plus Academic All-Americans, and receiving more than 30 WVIAC Coach of the Year awards.

For complete information on Wheeling Jesuit, please visit www.wju.edu or call 1 (800) 624-6992.