Charlie Cobb presents new head coach Darcie Vincent with an ASU jersey (ASU Athletics Photo) RELATED VIDEOS All Videos Darcie Vincent Press Conference - 4/24/08 RELATED IMAGES All Images Darcie Vincent shows off her new Appalachian jersey at Thursday's press conference (ASU Athletics Photo) Head coach Darcie Vincent chats with David Jackson at her press conference (ASU Athletics Photo) Darcie Vincent addresses the media for the first time as head coach at Appalachian (ASU Athletics Photo)

Vincent Introduced At Press Conference
by Appalachian Sports Information

April 24, 2008 - BOONE, N.C. - Administrators and local media gathered with current and former players on Thursday as director of athletics Charlie Cobb introduced Darcie Vincent as the seventh head coach in Appalachian State women's basketball history.

"It's an exciting time for our athletic department and women’s basketball program," Cobb noted. "When we started the search, we put together a list of what we wanted. We wanted to find someone who is a winner and knows what success is on and off the court. We wanted someone who was a great communicator and teacher for our young women. We're very appreciative that Darcy decided to take a look at Appalachian and this is an awesome day for our women’s basketball program."

Vincent then accepted an Appalachian jersey with her collegiate number, 24, as a welcome. She then spoke about what drew her to the High Country and what she hopes to accomplish.

"I'm so overwhelmed that it's hard to speak on this matter," commented Vincent. "I was not looking for anything [in terms of a new position], but then Appalachian contacted me and took such deep insight into who I was as a person. It took me less than an hour to fall in love with this place and these people. We've been here four days and the people who we've met already are amazing. Moving on [professionally] is about family and atmosphere. Right now this is a great time to be around Appalachian athletics and to be invited to be a part of that - I couldn’t be more honored or pleased. We’re going to work together and these young ladies are ready to work hard to bring back the great tradition that we know is there and win SoCon championships. The SoCon championship belongs in Boone, nowhere else."

Coach Vincent was joined by her parents as well as new assistant coach Lisa Gottuso. A former player and graduate assistant coach at California, Gottuso followed her former mentor to Boone.

Vincent led Gottuso and her teammates to the 2004 NCAA Division II National Championship. She posted a 212-67 record over eight years at Cal U.

Eight players return from last season's 8-22 squad, and Vincent is poised to head out on the recruiting trail to round out the team.

Season tickets will be available in October, and individual game tickets go on sale in November.