After seven years as the lead assistant to Marty Rowe in the Lee University women’s basketball program, Jan Spangler has been elevated to associate head coach. Spangler played for Rowe’s Lady Flames from 2005 to 2008 and went into the school’s hall of fame in 2013.
“Jan was an outstanding student-athlete and helped take our women’s basketball program to a higher level,” athletic director Larry Carpenter said in the announcement release. “She’s been a valuable part of our coaching staff, and we are happy to name her our first associate head coach. She is very deserving of this title.”
Said Rowe: “Anyone who’s been around our team knows Jan is a very integral part of everything we do. She’s a tireless recruiter and does such a great job handling the daily operations of our basketball program. I’m really excited for her and what lies ahead as she continues to grow as a coach.”
The Lady Flames went 24-8 last season, 15-5 in the Gulf South Conference, and won a game in the NCAA Division II tournament. Spangler thanked Rowe, Carpenter and school president Dr. Paul Conn for their confidence in her and added, “Although this will not change my everyday approach in what I do, I am excited to continue working with our team and learning from one of the best coaches in the country.”
* Former University of Tennessee at Chattanooga assistant coach Kevin Easley is now the head men’s basketball coach at Life University in Marietta, Georgia. It is his first collegiate head-coaching position after working on the staffs at UNC Wilmington, High Point, UNC Greensboro and UT-Martin in addition to UTC. The former Austin Peay player served under Matt McCall with the Mocs in the 2016-17 season.