Kim Barnes Arico Signs Extension Through 2022-23
[Photo: Bill Rapai]
Michigan signed the best basketball coach in program history to an extension.
No, this isn't a repost. Kim Barnes Arico will patrol the sidelines at Crisler at least through 2022-23, U-M announced today:
University of Michigan Donald R. Shepherd Director of Athletics Warde Manuel announced on Thursday (July 12) a contract extension for women's basketball head coach Kim Barnes Arico through the 2022-23 season.
"Kim has worked tirelessly to grow our basketball program here at Michigan," Manuel said. "Already our all-time winningest coach, she is a tremendous evaluator of talent and educator for our student-athletes. She sets a wonderful example for our program and I look forward to her continued leadership and success."
"I want to thank Warde Manuel and the University of Michigan for their continued support of me and the women's basketball program," Barnes Arico said. "The resources and commitment to our team have been unbelievable, which have had a major impact on recruiting and our success on the court. We have some signed some of the best classes nationally these past few seasons and have been able to raise the profile of the program. I am also thankful to the Ann Arbor community for embracing 'The Hardest Working Team in America' and making an impact on our team. I am excited for what the future holds for Michigan women's basketball."
Since taking over for Kevin Borseth in 2012-13, the 2017 Big Ten Coach of the Year has led the program to two NCAA tournament appearances, making the second round both times (including last season), and a WNIT championship. Only Sue Guevera, who coached from 1996-2003, is responsible for more NCAA tourney berths in program history; in one fewer season at the helm, KBA has already surpassed Guevera's win total while posting better overall and Big Ten win percentages. Her six consecutive postseason appearances are also a school record.
It may not take long at all for Barnes Arico to catch Guevera in tourney appearances. While Michigan loses some key pieces from last year's tourney team, most notably all-time leading scorer Katelynn Flaherty, KBA brought in a four-woman recruiting class that includes three top-100 prospects, headlined by five-star Indiana Miss Basketball winner Amy Dilk.
With Hallie Thome, Nicole Munger, Hailey Brown, and Deja Church bringing back production and experience from last year's 23-win squad, it could be a big season for the Wolverines. KBA's extension couldn't come at a better time.
KBA has been awesome. She has proven herself to be a great coach and recruiter. Her leadership, along with the resources available at UM mean the sky is the limit. There is no reason to think this program can't take the next step and become a national power.
When will they announce beilein extension?
Was wondering the same thing. Perhaps this is a prelude to a Beilein announcement; I'm sure that's a bigger monster to deal with considering the assistant contract bumps that should come with it.
Great news for KBA and the women's program. How great would it be to see Michigan as a perennial Sweet-16 contender???
honestly? i think they are in the conversation right now...without the late-season struggles of the last two seasons (which are about the only negative i can think of with the program right now, and which really need to get fixed), they probably would've been seeded that way.
Good for her.
May she bring lotsa success to women BBall for years to come.
Warde crushing it (by retaining Brandons's coaches).
A blind squirrel can still find a few nuts
Beilein was Bill Martin's hire.
And it took him not wanting to own up and just fire Amaker already to get there. Silver linings.
fantastic.
barnes-arrico has been an unalloyed success here - the talent level has gone up just about every year; even as baylor was blowing them out in the 2nd round of the tournament last season, there were surprisingly long stretches where we were able to go toe-to-toe.
katelynn and jillian dunston are huge losses for 2018-19, but the last two years are by far the best recruiting stretch in program history. the future is very, very bright.
Comments