by Russell Vannozzi | Apr 22, 2019 | BREAKING NEWS, News Slider, Sports
Rhodes College women’s basketball coach Lauren Sumski is taking the same job at Lipscomb, athletic director Philip Hutcheson announced Monday morning. Sumski has been head coach at Rhodes since 2017 and compiled a 35-21 record over two seasons. She is the first-ever female to lead the Lipscomb women’s basketball program in the school’s DI era. “I am humbled, honored, and grateful,” Sumski said in a release. “I am excited for the opportunity. I think that Lipscomb has a ton of things in place for us to field a successful women’s basketball program. “More than the things, it’s just such a high-quality type of person there. We’re excited to get to work and start building back up.” Sumski, 27, will be one of the youngest college head coaches in the nation. She graduated from Rhodes in 2014 and also played one year at Tennessee under legendary coach Pat Summit. She was rated the 28th-best high school prospect in the nation by ESPNU Hoopsgurlz, although injuries slowed her time as a Lady Vol, prompting her to return to Memphis to play for Rhodes. Following her graduation, Sumski spent three seasons as an assistant at Union under Lipscomb alum Mark Campbell. Hutcheson said several people highly recommended Sumski for the job, saying that she was “on her way to great things in the coaching profession.” “Those people commented on her energy, her intelligence, her ability to connect with others and her high emotional and basketball IQ, and those involved in the process all found that to be the 100 percent truth,” Hutcheson said. “From the very first phone call to our final...
by Cory Woodroof | May 16, 2012 | News Slider, Sports
Lipscomb Athletic Director Philip Hutcheson announced today the hiring of Greg Brown as the new head coach of the Lady Bisons basketball team. Brown, the former associate coach of the University of Central Florida women’s basketball team, replaces former head coach Frank Bennett, now holding the position of Lipscomb’s associate athletic director. Brown also served for two years as both a graduate assistant and assistant coach to Pat Summit and the University of Tennessee’s Lady Vols. “I’m extremely excited for Greg to be our next women’s coach,” Hutcheson said. “He brings to Lipscomb a strong coaching background and has been mentored by some of the top coaches in the country.” An alumnus of Lipscomb, Brown also served under Don Meyer as a student assistant coach. Hutcheson believes that Brown will be a great addition to the Lady Bisons basketball program. “I’m confident that he will continue to mentor and train our student athletes to become leaders on the court, in the classroom and in their Christian walk,” Hutcheson said. “He has been a part of successful coaching staffs at every level, and I’m excited that he’s bringing that leadership to Lipscomb.” Brown expressed gratitude for his hiring. “I’m honored to be named the head basketball coach at Lipscomb,” said Brown. “Lipscomb is a special place for me and my family. I’m excited to represent the university and be part of its growth, and I look forward to building on the traditions of excellence at Lipscomb. I’m very fortunate to be able to coach in a Christian atmosphere, and I thank Philip Hutcheson and Dr. Lowry for this opportunity.” Brown will be...
by Hunter Patterson | Apr 12, 2012 | News Slider, Sports
Lipscomb women’s basketball head coach Frank Bennett has been named associate athletic director. In accepting this position, Bennett will transition out of his role as women’s basketball head coach, and a national search will begin immediately for his replacement. Athletic Director Phillip Hutcheson made the announcement on Thursday. Bennett recently completed his 32nd year as the head coach of the women’s basketball team and is the 25th winningest women’s basketball coach in NCAA history with a record of 583-438. “Coach Bennett has dedicated the majority of his life to our program and has influenced hundreds of student athletes through his leadership, integrity and walk with God,” Hutcheson said. “I personally appreciate everything he has done for Lipscomb, and I look forward to working with him in this new role.” Bennett’s program was a NAIA national power and, in a history-making feat, appeared in the NCAA Tournament in the program’s first year of eligibility. Bennett was enshrined in the Lipscomb Athletics Hall of Fame and the NAIA Hall of Fame in 2003. “Our mission has been to try to create an environment where our players and coaches could grow as a total person — spiritually, socially, academically and in basketball,” Bennett said. “I have been privileged to be part of a program that has a positive impact on our players’ lives. I appreciate our assistant coaches for their hard work, friendship and concern and care for our student athletes. I also appreciate the university offering me the opportunity to continue to make an impact in this new role as associate athletic director. I look forward to the new challenges of...
